National award-winning filmmaker Nila Madhab Panda has been chosen for the prestigious Padma Shri award in the Art-Film Direction and Production category. Born in Sonepur, he has produced and directed over 70 movies, documentaries and short films. The 42-year-old film maker’s movies are based on social and developmental issues. His first iconic feature film, the highly acclaimed I Am Kalam, has won 32 international awards and one National Award. His films are based on important social issues such as climate change, child labour, education, water issues, sanitation and many other developmental issues in India. His other works are Jalpari, Babloo Happy Hai, Kaun Kitne Paani Mein, etc.
He won Viewers’ Choice award at IFFlA, People’s Choice Award at the Montreal, Best Feature Film and Best Director award in California, most prestigious The Don Quixote Prize of the ICCF at Germany, Best film at Frankfurt and Bronze Cairo, The Prize of the International Center of Films For Children & Young People, Best film from the Indian Panorama by the Young Jury at the IFFI, and many more.
The filmmaker speaks about his life and inspiration, upcoming films and many more in an interview with Sefali Suman of The Pioneer.
What is your reaction after getting Padma ShriIJ
I am very happy and proud after the announcement that I would be conferred with the fourth highest civilian honour. It would inspire me to work more in making films and I would dedicate this award to every audience around me, especially the people of Sonepur as well as Odisha, who stood by me, in my good and bad times.
Your films are giving strong social messages. What is your inspiration to make this kind of filmsIJ
Yes, all my films are based on socially relevant issues. I came from a poor background. I usually meet people of different walks of lives and come across different situations. They have inspired me for making film. Characters in my films are like people in day-to-day life. I often think through my art and movies that I can give social messages and can create lot of good impact in society. That is why I always choose doing films based on social messages. I’m happy that my films have influenced the society.
You are from Sonepur. How your village has influenced youIJ
My village has been always influencing me. My village and people of the village have an important part of my life.
Do you find any difficulties getting fund for your films, especially, art filmsIJ
For me, there is nothing called art and parallel movie. If people like the movie, I think it becomes successful. Fortunately, my films are commercially successful. By God’s grace fund has never been a problem for me to make films. I have successfully finished my projects.
What is the future of art movieIJ
For me, any movie having art and cultural aspects is an art movie. I can’t differentiate it from films of other genres. So, the future of art movie is bright as other films.
Have you planned to make a film based on any Odisha issues, like farmers’ suicideIJ
Though most of my films are based on social issues, I don’t want to choose only negative ones. One can also make good films on art and culture. So far, I have not planned to make films on Odisha issues.
What is your next movieIJ
A film on the famous Nabakalebara festival illustrating the Odisha culture and Jagannath culture, in particular, is about to be released within a month. I hope it would help in a great way promoting the Jagannath culture worldwide. Besides, I am working on the script for some other films also. But it is so early to disclose anything regarding it.
What is your message for the youths, who have interest in film makingIJ
I would suggest them to keep writing, which would inspire them for making good films in future. They should have passion and dedication to become a successful film maker.