5th Kalinga Global Film Festival Inaugurated at KIIT University

Bhubaneswar: The 5th Kalinga Global Film Festival (KGFF) commenced Friday at KIIT-DU, bringing together an impressive array of filmmakers, producers, and cine lovers from across the country.

The three-day extravaganza will showcase 45 films, including feature films, short fiction, documentaries, and student projects, across multiple venues on the sprawling KIIT campus.

“Inaugurating the festival, Minister of State (Ind. Charge) for Higher Education, Sports & Youth Services, Odia Language Literature & Culture, Govt. of Odisha Suryabanshi Suraj said the annual event has inspired Odisha’s cinema and artistic community. “Cinema has a significant impact on our society. This festival brings hope and belief that it will usher in new opportunities for Odisha’s film industry.”

KGFF, under the Founder of KIIT and KISS Dr. Achyuta Samanta’s visionary leadership, has grown into a premier platform for celebrating cinema, fostering cultural exchange, and empowering young filmmakers.

Dr. Samanta, spoke at the inaugural event with a message of inspiration. “KIIT and KISS are two universities with a human touch. Despite being only 21 years old, KIIT has become a center of excellence, and we will continue to take this festival to greater heights,” he said.

Film producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah, known for his work on the hit film Aankhen, expressed his admiration for KIIT’s journey. “Staying in Mumbai, we did not realize the massiveness of KIIT. It is magical and inspirational that such a world-class university was built in just 25 years. This forum is important to expand our knowledge base. Odisha has immense talent that deserves to be brought into the mainstream, and this platform is a step toward that goal,” he said.

Producer Abhishek Agarwal echoed the sentiment, urging filmmakers to shine a spotlight on Odisha’s talent. “We have many unsung heroes in Odisha. I hope to see more films from here showcasing their stories and talents at the national level,” he said.

Film director Jadumoni Dutta lauded the unique contributions of KIIT and KISS. “KIIT and KISS are temples of learning, and KISS stands out as something extraordinary. To promote quality cinema, we need quality film festivals like this one,” he added.

The festival will feature masterclasses, discussions, and screenings across venues, including the Campus-6 and Campus-17 Auditoriums, the Open Air Theatre, and the Seminar Hall. Notable attendees include producers Abhishek Tarachand Jain, Mayank Singhaniya, Navjyot Bandiwadekar; directors Tushar Hiranandani and Sagar Suneel Puranik; actress Rupali Sood; wildlife filmmaker Subbiah Nallamuthu; and Bollywood writer Raaj Shaandilyaa.

Movies that were screened Friday were Google Matrimony; History of Artists group in Bengal; Mo Bou, Mo Gaan; Bahi Tracing my Ancestors; Under The Bed; Rachamma; Srikanth; Ballad of the mountain; Main Nida; Roti Koon Banasi; Amar Aaj Marega; Astoraag; Monihara; Atattor; Kite & I; and Sam Bahadur.

This film festival is being organized under the leadership of Himanshu Sekhar Khatua, DG, KIIT School of Film, Fashion and Media Studies. Among others, Prof Saranjit Singh, VC, KIIT DU; Prof Jnayan Ranjan Mohanty, Registrar and other eminent Odia film personalities were present on the occasion.