IFFI 2024: Odia Filmmakers Himanshu Khatua and Susant Misra Part of Feature Film Jury, Subash Sahoo’s ‘Mo Bou, Mo Gaon’ to be Screened

Bhubaneswar: The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is set to showcase an array of diverse films from across India in its 55th edition, which will be held in Panaji, Goa, from November 20-28, 2024. This year, the prestigious Indian Panorama section has announced a robust selection of 25 feature films and 20 non-feature films, with notable representation from Odisha.

Celebrated Odia filmmakers Himanshu Shekhar Khatua and Susant Misra, acclaimed for their contributions to regional and national cinema, are part of the feature film jury, entrusted with selecting and curating the finest Indian cinema for this international stage. Additionally, Odia sound designer and director Subash Sahoo’s “Mo Bou, Mo Gaon” has earned a place in the non-feature film category, spotlighting Odisha’s rich cultural narratives.

The Indian Panorama feature films selection, curated from a vast pool of 384 contemporary submissions, includes five mainstream films and opens with Swatantrya Veer Savarkar (Hindi), directed by Randeep Hooda. The non-feature segment, selected from 262 submissions, showcases emerging voices in Indian filmmaking, with Ghar Jaisa Kuch(Ladakhi), directed by Harsh Sangani, chosen as the opening film.

The feature film jury is chaired by renowned director Dr. Chandra Prakash Dwivedi and includes luminaries such as Manoj Joshi, Susmita Mukherjee, and Odisha’s own Himanshu Shekhar Khatua and Susant Misra. For non-feature films, the panel is led by veteran documentary filmmaker Subbiah Nallamuthu and includes a diverse team committed to elevating voices across regional cinema.

Since its inception in 1978, Indian Panorama has aimed to foster an appreciation for Indian films, underscoring India’s cultural heritage through cinematic art. Selected films will be showcased globally, extending to Indian Film Weeks, international festivals, and specialized screenings as part of cultural exchange programs.

The National Film Development Corporation, in partnership with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Government of Goa, organizes IFFI annually, highlighting India’s cinematic richness on the world stage.