Nila Madhab Panda

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 13: Celebrated director from Odisha, Nila Madhab Panda’s project Pallavi (Blossoming), a story on Odissi dancers, has been selected in the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC)’s Film Bazaar Co-production market.

The market aims to provide a platform for filmmakers with South Asian stories to make the right connections to get their projects financed.

Panda’s film is among the 32 projects selected for the Film Bazaar to be held in Goa from November 20 to 24 this year. The line-up includes 18 Indian and 14 international projects. The international projects include films from the US, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Norway, France, Germany, Singapore and United Kingdom.

The Film Bazaar has been supporting talents from South Asia and addressing key concerns of the world film community in the domain of film development, production, and distribution since 2007. Being a convergent point for buyers and sellers of film rights, it has done a lot in promotion of Indian cinema in the international domain. Even Three and a Half, a film to be directed by Sooni Taraporevala and produced by Mira Nair, has been selected in the international category.

Pallavi will trace the journey of three generations of classical Odissi dancers in both Odisha and Paris. The film will be based in Raghurajpur, the famous heritage crafts village in Puri district, which is known for its rich tradition of art and culture. “It is a great place for any international project to get in touch with international investors, film festivals and sales from all around the world. I have a French producer on board but I am looking forward to collaborate with more international producers. The film will in Odia, English and French languages,” said Panda.

A top Bollywood actress is likely to play the lead role in the film that promises to pay tribute to Indian history and heritage, in symbiosis with western art and culture, especially various forms of dance and music. Shooting will begin around the end of next year, as Panda’s kitty is full of projects at the moment.

Panda’s mainstream Hindi film on the issue of water, Kaun Kitne Paani Mein, starring Kunal Kapoor and Radhika Apte, has been selected for Asia Pacific Screen Awards, said Panda.