A still from Duhita-My Daughter

Bhubaneswar, Nov. 27: Two inspiring tales — that of a daughter and a thirsty crow — would travel to the national capital from Odisha.

The films from the state have been selected for the Woodpecker Film Festival (WFF), 2013, scheduled for December 19 to 21 in New Delhi at India Habitat Centre. The festival screens films specifically on environment, religion, culture, children, health and livelihood issues.

Of over 100 entries, 45 films have been nominated. Among these, 14 are from Maharashtra, 13 from New Delhi, four from Kerala, three from Bengal, two each from Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Odisha. Besides, solitary entries have come from Karnataka, Haryana, Assam, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

An animation film The Thirsty Crow from Khurda directed by Snehasis Das and Duhita-My Daughter from Bhubaneswar directed by Nandita Anand will represent the state in the animation and student film categories.

Director Nandita Anand

The wisdom and knowledge that have been passed on from generation in form of folklore have always played a significant part in solving problems. Reiterating the fact, The Thirsty Crow reminds of the age-old story that holds significance for the current generation that has conveniently forgotten the Crow and Water story, but also the very importance of water conservation.

“The crow in our story, therefore, does not only labour to fetch its own water, but also sends across a message to conserve each drop of water. The seven-minute film took about a year’s time to finish. It always feels good, when your hard work pays off,” Snehasis Das, the 40-year-old filmmaker said.

Duhita-My Daughter is a short fiction film on a rape victim’s family and consequently the society and media’s behaviour towards its members. In the film, a single mother protects her only daughter from the media and society’s glare. “The 16-minute film in Hindi sends across a message that a rape survivor can lead a normal life by overcoming the trauma, only if she receives good medical treatment and care from family and friends,” said the 22-year-old Nandita Anand.

These nominated films will also contest for the coveted Woodpecker Awards. The award carries a trophy, citation a well as an honorarium in cash to the film-maker.