Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena inaugurated the ninth edition Dhwani-FLO Disability Film Fest here at the Guru KeluCharamOdissiReserch Centre on Tuesday.
Film Fest chairpersonJeetendraBiswal spoke about the special festival and about March 21 which is celebrated worldwide as the Down Syndrome Day.
FICCI FLO chairperson NamritaChahal commented, 'It is our duty to work towards an inclusive India. The greatest disability is the lack of ability to appreciate each other for their strengths. Each individual is an empowered soul and it is our responsibility to respect and celebrate the differences and uniqueness in one another.”
Actress Dolly Jena said art is a creative space for several minorities to be heard and understood. The same goes for films about people with disabilities.
OTDC Chairman Lenin Mohanty said the festival aims to change the picture of disability through film. Noted theatre personality AnantMahapatra said films with accurate and interesting representations of disability shown at this festival counter the negative stereotypes promoted by movies with demeaning, discriminatory and false portrayals of disability and people who have disabilities.
The first day ended with screening of 25 films of 1 minute, 5 minute and 30-minute categories. The festival will conclude on Wednesday with award giving ceremony.