Two Santhali films grabbed the limelight at the second edition of the International Short Film Festival, held during May 27-29 in Kolkata.
Over 200 short films were showcased at the city’s Satyajit Ray Auditorium, making their way in from Canada, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, the USA, Thailand, Belgium, Egypt, Czech Republic, China, Brazil and France.
However, it was a momentous occasion for Odisha when the 64-strong shortlist included both its entries.
“Mohot and Sacred Gulachi were the only entries from Odisha. While Mohot bagged the Critics’ Choice for Best Film Award, Suryamani Hansda in the mother’s role in Sacred Gulachi was adjudged the Best Supporting Actress,” says Kaushik Sengupta, filmmaker and festival director.
The 13-minute long Mohot (value) highlights the importance of hard labour. “It is my first film to win an award at an international level,” beams Sumi Hansda, producer and scriptwriter. On the other hand, director Deepak Besra has won many awards across Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal but bagged his first international accolade with Mohot.
“The story of Mohot shows the close affinity between an old man and an old dysfunctional radio set that he had won for his brilliant performance during a football match played in his young days,” says Besra.
Sacred Gulachi
The name of the protagonist means the Plumeria or frangipani flower. Over 29 minutes, it tells the ordeal of a young girl entangled in human trafficking. When Gulachi returns home after her rescue, her family treats her as tainted. Slapped with a stigma for no fault of hers, she finally dies.
“Many tribal girls fall victim to human trafficking, but go unnoticed,” says Swathi Sheeta Murmu, producer, director and script writer. “This had been on my mind for a long time. Ultimately, I made up my mind to make a film on it and Sacred Gulachi was born.”
Murmu goes on to explain the metaphor. “Gulachi is a flower that is a sacred symbol in Santhali society during marriages and funerals. Sacred Gulachi is my first film.”
Awardee Hansda says, “I am thrilled about the award that I had dreamed of.”
