Bhubaneswar, Dec. 30: The Odisha Cine Critic Association will host a monthly event - Sanskruti - to promote talks on issues related to the Odia film industry.

A number of film-makers, researchers, artistes, scholars and academicians will be invited to these monthly seminars.

Apart from question-answer sessions, the seminars will also have a host of debates and interactions.

The event will be organised during the evening on the first Saturday of the month. The first session of the event will be organised on January 7, and there would be discussions on the need for a film policy.

"The state needs a film policy such as the one in place in the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. This will provide a roadmap to promote cinema," said secretary of the association and film critic Dilip Halli.

"We want people to get involved with our initiative. We are hopeful that our efforts will bring good results," added Halli.

Film-makers, including Prashanta Nanda and Sabyasachi Mohapatra, and Odisha Film Development Corporation chairman Munna Khan will take part in the event.

"A number of government officials will be invited at the event so that artistes can address their problems with them," Khan said.

Besides, camerapersons, cinematographers, singers, choreographers, scriptwriters and youngsters interested to work in the film industry will also be invited to the event.

A number of artistes feel the initiative is a positive one because it will create enthusiasm among youngsters.

Apart from discussions on films, seminars will also be organised on theatre and jatra.

"It will be a very good opportunity for a number of film enthusiasts who want to get in touch with the people working in the industry. Moreover, it will also be beneficial for the youngsters, who are studying in film schools. They can join the sessions to get to know people," said actor Avisekh Rath.

Recently, the Odisha State Archives started a similar initiative to promote discussions on issues related to the cultural heritage of Odisha.

The association organises a number of events such as film screenings, star nights and felicitation ceremonies every year.