Bhubaneswar, Jan. 28: Films that have been shortlisted for screening at the Mumbai International Film Festival, popularly known as MIFF, can now be seen here as well.

A set of 24 documentaries and short films selected from the total screenings at MIFF are being simultaneously screened in Bhubaneswar from today. During the three-day event which will be held at Xavier University till January 30, movie buffs can watch several national, international as well as animation films.

The MIFF, a biennial event, is organised by the films division of the Union ministry of information and broadcasting. It is screening 385 films in the weeklong event that began today and will continue till February 3 in Mumbai.

"Every year, many people from the state go to Mumbai to attend the film fest there. However, many movie buffs also do not get the opportunity to go there and be a part of the festival. We wanted to reach out to a larger audience and that is why we are here," said Sumay Mukherjee, a senior branch manager of films division.

On the inaugural day, Being Bhaijaan by Shabani Hassanwalia, The Ideal Match by Siddharth Sawhney and Muzaffarnagar Eventually by Nakul Singh Sawhney were screened. The other films to be screened at the fest includes 18 Feet by Renjith Kumar, Bicycle by Harsal Wadkar, Rasan Piya by Niharika Popli and Brief Life of Insects by Tarun Bhartiya.

The organisers feel the fest will be a boost to young filmmakers. "We have invited a number of filmmakers. Susant Misra will be here and during the event. Budding filmmakers can meet the veterans and hone their skills as well," said Mukherjee.

"The filmmakers can also acquire knowledge about the film festival and ways to apply to the fest authorities to screen their own films. They can also get contacts that would help them to get a break in the highly-competitive industry," said Subas Das, the president of Film Society of Bhubaneswar, which is also a part of the organising team for the festival.

The screening is being held from 10am to 6pm and each show can accommodate around 150 people. Similar screenings are also being held in Calcutta, New Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Guwahati, Lucknow and Thrissur.