Keonjhar: A two-day national-level short film festival will be held in Keonjhar on October 9 and 10 with the aim of showcasing the district’s heritage, art, culture and talent on a national platform through cinema.Addressing a press conference at Mandua on Tuesday, the organisers outlined the festival schedule, film screenings and a slate of upcoming film projects. They said chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi is slated to inaugurate the event, while several prominent personalities from the Odia and Hindi film industries are expected to attend.The festival will feature short films from multiple Indian film industries, including Odia, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada, providing a platform for filmmakers from across the country.Organisers said the event aims to bring together emerging directors, filmmakers, artists and creative professionals and showcase the diversity of Indian cinema on a single stage. The closing ceremony will be held on October 10, with former PCC president and ex-minister Niranjan Patnaik expected to attend the valedictory function.The festival is being organised jointly by a private firm a and local cultural organisation.Director Abinash Rout said the initiative seeks to position Keonjhar on the national cinematic map while highlighting its heritage, natural beauty, art, culture and local talent. He added that several upcoming film projects would be announced during the festival.Organisers said the event is expected to create fresh opportunities for young artists and film professionals from the district.
