‘Biswasta Sathi’ and ‘IF’ Bag Top Honours at National Road Safety Short Film Festival

Bhubaneswar: The capital city witnessed the grand finale of the National Road Safety Short Film Festival 2023 on Tuesday, celebrating exceptional cinematic narratives promoting road safety.

The Odia film, ‘Biswasta Sathi,’ directed by Amrutanshu Mohapatra from Balasore, clinched the Best Film award in the Odia category, while ‘IF,’ directed by Sreenath S from Kerala, secured the top spot in the Non-Odia category. Both films delivered a powerful message on the importance of wearing helmets, earning acclaim from the esteemed jury.

Attending the event Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik emphasized about the effectiveness of short films in disseminating crucial messages. He commended the festival for its success, previously recognized by the Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety.

Patnaik stated, “Every life is precious. Road safety is a high priority area for our Government. Short Films are an effective tool of communication for spreading the message of Road Safety.”

This year’s festival attracted entries from Punjab, Maharashtra, Kerala, Assam, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and beyond. Additionally, students from neighboring countries, including Nepal, Bangladesh, and Kenya studying in Bhubaneswar, contributed films to the festival.

Commerce & Transport Minister, Tukuni Sahu, highlighted the significance of visual storytelling in spreading road safety awareness. She stated, “Odisha is known for zero casualty during natural calamities. We will work towards making roads safer in the state.”

The festival, aimed at raising awareness about road safety and fostering increased engagement, showcased 42 shortlisted films in Berhampur, Sambalpur, and Angul in early December. Over 5,000 students and citizens attended the screenings, turning the festival into a people’s movement.

The top films in both Odia and non-Odia categories received cash awards of Rs 1 lakh each, while the first and second runners-up were awarded Rs 80,000 and Rs 60,000, respectively. Individual awards for Best Cinematography, Best Music, Best Direction, and Best Acting were also presented.

The National Road Safety Short Film Festival serves as a commendable initiative to encourage responsible road behavior and reduce accidents and fatalities. As the festival continues to gain momentum, it plays a pivotal role in promoting a safer environment on the roads.

List of Awardees:

Best Film (Odia):

Winner: ‘BISWASTA SATHI,’ Balasore, Director & Screenplay: Amrutanshu Mohapatra – Rs. 1,00,000
First Runner-up: ‘HEY PRABHU,’ Bhubaneswar, Digital Sketch, Concept, Script & Direction: Eureka Apta – Rs. 80,000
Second Runner-up: ‘SLATE,’ Balasore, Story, Screenplay & Direction: Manmay Dey – Rs. 60,000
Best Film (Non-Odia):

Winner: ‘IF,’ Kerala, Director & Writer: Sreenath S – Rs. 1, 00,000
First Runner-up: ‘WHAT THE HELMET,’ Pune, Director & Writer: Shubham Kishor Pandav- Rs. 80,000
Second Runner-up: ‘HELMET SILENT,’ Nabarangpur, Director: Bulu Kumar – Rs. 60,000
Individual awards (Odia Category):

Best Cinematography: SMRUTI MAYEE SETHI, ‘Shortcut’ – Bhubaneswar – Rs.25, 000
Best Music: ANADI POHAN, ‘CHOICE (MADHAV JHA)’–Bhubaneswar- Rs.25, 000
Best Direction: AYUSHMAN BADAPANDA, ‘Not Out,’ Cuttack- Rs.25, 000
Best Acting: RAJKISHOR DURGA, ‘Charlie,’ Kalahandi & PAPU POM POM, ‘Smart Father’ – Bhubaneswar- Rs.25, 000
Individual awards (Non-Odia Category):

Best Cinematography: VIVEK VIJAYAN, ‘If’ – Kerala – Rs.25, 000
Best Music: SUDHI SURESH, ‘Angel Of Dystopia’- Kerala – Rs.25, 000
Best Direction: KURESH CHANDRA SAHOO, ‘Road Safety Life Safety’ – Daspalla, Nayagarh – Rs.25, 000
Best Acting: MANAS ROUT, ‘The Road’ – Jajpur- Rs.25, 000
Special Jury Award – Rs. 15000 each:

Animation (2D): ‘YOUR LIFE IS NOT YOURS ONLY,’ Director: Abhilipsa Tripathy
Animation (3D): ‘HAATH DHORE CHALO,’ Production House: Nimbu Mirchi Production
Regional film(Sambalpuri): ‘FITNESS ALSO ESSENTIAL,’ Director: Saroj Kumbhar
Best concept (Odia): ‘ABHYASTA,’ Director: DEBASISH PRATIHARI
Best concept (Non-Odia): ‘SILENT SLUMBER,’ Director: Brajabandhu Behera
Documentary: ‘A TRUE STORY,’ Director: Manas Mishra
Documentary for a cause: ‘THE SILENT EPIDEMIC,’ Rahagiri Foundation
Special Jury: ‘BISWASTA SATHI’ (Dog)