The Business Bytes
Bhubaneswar, December 13, 2024 (TBB Bureau): The vibrant city of Bhubaneswar witnessed the grand opening of the 5th Kalinga Global Film Festival (KGFF) on Friday at KIIT University, heralding a three-day celebration of cinematic brilliance. A remarkable confluence of filmmakers, producers, and cinephiles from across India, the festival promises to showcase 45 diverse films, including feature films, documentaries, short fiction, and student projects, across multiple venues on KIIT’s sprawling campus.
The inaugural event was graced by Suryabanshi Suraj, Minister for Higher Education, Sports & Youth Services, and Odia Language, Literature & Culture, who highlighted the transformative power of cinema in shaping society. “Cinema has a profound impact on our lives. This festival fosters hope and opportunity, paving the way for Odisha’s film industry to thrive,” he remarked.
The festival has flourished under the leadership of Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT and KISS, evolving into a distinguished platform for cultural exchange and creative empowerment. Speaking at the event, Dr. Samanta emphasized the unique ethos of the institutions. “KIIT and KISS are institutions with a human touch. Despite being only 21 years old, KIIT has achieved excellence in education, and we are committed to elevating this festival to greater heights,” he stated.
Renowned film producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah, famous for his film Aankhen, praised the meteoric rise of KIIT. “The scale and quality of KIIT are awe-inspiring. Odisha’s immense talent deserves this spotlight, and platforms like KGFF are essential for bringing it to the national stage,” he said.
Producer Abhishek Agarwal echoed this sentiment, urging filmmakers to explore Odisha’s rich heritage and untold stories. “Odisha is a land of unsung heroes. Let’s bring their stories to the forefront through cinema,” he urged.
Renowned film director Jadumoni Dutta commended KIIT and KISS for their extraordinary contributions. “These institutions are beacons of knowledge. Festivals like KGFF are critical for promoting quality cinema,” he noted.
The opening day’s screenings included a diverse lineup of films such as Google Matrimony, Mo Bou, Mo Gaan, Under The Bed, Roti Koon Banasi, Main Nida, Astoraag, and the much-anticipated Sam Bahadur. The screenings are being held at premier venues, including the Campus-6 and Campus-17 Auditoriums, the Open Air Theatre, and the Seminar Hall.
The event also features enriching masterclasses, discussions, and interactions with celebrated filmmakers and artists. Distinguished guests in attendance include producers Abhishek Tarachand Jain, Mayank Singhaniya, and Navjyot Bandiwadekar; directors Tushar Hiranandani and Sagar Suneel Puranik; actress Rupali Sood; wildlife filmmaker Subbiah Nallamuthu; and Bollywood writer Raaj Shaandilyaa.
Organized under the stewardship of Himanshu Sekhar Khatua, Director General of KIIT School of Film, Fashion, and Media Studies, the festival underscores KIIT’s commitment to fostering creative talent and celebrating cinematic excellence. Also present were Prof. Saranjit Singh, Vice-Chancellor of KIIT DU; Prof. Jnayan Ranjan Mohanty, Registrar; and other eminent personalities from Odisha’s film industry.
As the festival unfolds, it promises not only a feast for cinema enthusiasts but also an inspiring platform for emerging talent and innovative storytelling. The 5th KGFF is a resounding testament to KIIT’s vision of nurturing creativity and cultural dialogue.
