At a time when mask has become a new normal amid the Covid-19 pandemic, a short film named ‘Mask: 2, under the banner of Social Image Production in Koshli language has won two international awards.
Directed by senior officer of the Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) Dr Shweta Kumar Dash, the movie got best short film award in London short film festival 2021 and best inspiration film award in Istanbul film festival. It is worthy to note that this was the only Indian film to get a berth in the Istanbul festival. The 7-minute-24-second film story revolves around a small boy distributing masks free of cost. When he is asked by a person the reason behind free mask distribution, he narrates and the cause is shown in the flashback that reveals how the father of the boy died of corona as he was careless about use of mask and following other prevention methods.
Speaking about the film, Dash said, “It is indeed sad that even today there are many people who are not willing to spend a mere Rs 20 to purchase a mask. This Rs 20 could save their life. In order to add a touch of realism, I decided not to take any professional actor but approached Ajay and his family to be a part of the film.
I am glad that our efforts are being appreciated globally.” The role of the child, Rahul, in the film has been well-played by Arabinda Dash.
Other casts in the film include Aparalila Bhitria, Jitendra Pattnaik, Debendra Rout, Madan Sahoo, Jyostna Mohapatra, Lopamudra Samal, Chandrasnigdha Sahoo, Madhu Moharana Namdeo Keut Mobij Satnami Manoj Sahu, and Piyush.
The camera was handled by Girish Manic, while Debendra Kumar Rout was assigned as creative director and Nageswar Moharana assisted the director. The film also showed some shades of grey reality which includes the reluctance of people to purchase masks because of its low price.