File picture of the BYOFF venue at Puri beach

Bhubaneswar, Feb. 10: Two beaches of the state are all set to host two most loved festivals this month.

While the Ramachandi beach on Puri-Konark Marine Drive would host the India Surf Festival, the Puri beach would witness congregation for the Bring Your Own Film Festival, better known as the BYOFF.

The third edition of the India Surf Festival that begins on the occasion of Valentine’s Day is a perfect getaway for anybody, who adores sand, sea and surf. The three-day festival promises to bring together artists, musicians, designers, surfers and photographers from across the globe. Organised by the Ranger Adventure Foundation, the festival aims to popularise surfing by engaging participants and visitors in adventurous activities such as stand up paddle (SUP), kite surf and SUP yoga.

“We are aiming to change the mindset by promoting the SUP. It is simple, safe and exciting at the same time. Odisha has such a huge coastline and promoting surfing could automatically promote tourism,” said Sanjay Samantray, founder of the festival.

The festival would focus on afforestation and beach cleaning this year. Taking cognisance of cyclone Phailin that uprooted around 26 lakhs of trees, the festival volunteers on Wednesday would collaborate with 50 policemen of Puri in a plantation drive. About 100 surfers and over 1,000 visitors are expected to attend the festival.

The BYOFF that begins on February 21 is a treat for independent film-makers, who find an attractive platform to showcase their creations. The 11th edition of the five-day festival would see film-makers coming from all corners of the country as the festival screens anything from a 60-second documentary to two-hour long feature film. There are no selection panels or award ceremonies, making it a one-of-its kind festival. Also many upcoming film-makers get a chance to interact with award winning film-makers at the get together and share their common passion for meaningful cinema.

“It is a festival by, for and of cinephiles,” said Susant Misra, one of the founding members of the BYOFF.