Visitors look at the bulletin board in memory of Nirad Mahapatra. Picture by Sarat Patra
Bhubaneswar, Feb. 24: The 12th edition of the five-day Bring Your Own Film Festival (Byoff), under way at Puri beach, is attracting a large number of film lovers.
The festival began on Saturday with tributes to eminent film-maker Nirad Mahapatra, who had died last week.
The festival for film-makers and viewers, paid homage to Mahapatra with a session dedicated to his memories. A bulletin board has been set up at the festival displaying posters of the late film-maker's works, his photographs and articles on him. Some of his films will be screened at the event now.
'We were shocked by the tragic loss of one of the foremost auteur of Indian and Odia cinema, Nirad Mahapatra. Hence, we began with a tribute to the great master,' said Rabindra Krushna Sahoo, one of the event organisers.
The festival has received immense response from across the country. A large number of young film-makers have registered for the event. A performance art troupe from Calcutta, contemporary dance performances by a Brazilian artiste, folk songs by Harpreet, street art and many such acts featured in the festival, while film screenings went on from sunset to the early morning hours.
'We have participants from Mumbai, Delhi, Calcutta and all over Odisha as well a few from Brazil and Germany,' said Debabrata Tripathy, convener of the event.
Two tent houses have been installed at the beach for film screenings. So far, 18 films have been screened. Most of the films are made on SLR cameras, digicams and film cameras by the participants. There are documentaries, very short and short films as well as feature presentations. A number of photo boards have also been set up, each of which highlights subjects on film-making, photography and art.
Culture shows, performances and discussions are also included in the ongoing event. A flea market on film related equipment will begin from tomorrow. Renowned film-maker Susant Misra is conducting a master class in direction for students of the Biju Patnaik Film and Television Institute of Odisha amongst others.
A photography workshop by Sudarshan Juyal is also on at the festival.
