Internationally-acclaimed filmmaker Sabyasachi Mohapatra's 'Pahada Ra luha' (Tears of Mountain) has been chosen for the best regional film category for the 63rd National Film Awards. This was announced on Monday.
The eminent director is getting the national award for the second time. He had earlier won the national award for Adim Vicharha (Ancient Justice) in the same segment. The film was sequel of his earlier film Sala Budha. Both Sala Budha and Adim Vichar were also inducted for screening in Indian panorama section of International Film Festivals.
The film Pahada Ra luha is based on industrialisation and subsequent displacement of Paraja tribals in Koraput district.
Expressing happiness and gratitude after the announcement, Mohapatra said, “I am extremely happy that my 25 years of imagination has come true. I had an aim to make a film on tribal people’s lifestyle, art and culture. But I had not been able to do the same because of financial problem.”
Now their problems have been changed. Naxalism and displacement have been added to their woes, he rued. The film is based on these issues, he informed. The film also showcased tribal people's fascinating traditions, music and philosophy in contrast to the concrete jungle that exist outside their shell of innocence.
"My film has got the award due to the blessings of lord Jagannath and Maa Samaleswari and the love and affection of millions of Odia film lovers," the veteran filmmaker added.
"let modernity be introduced, but not at the cost of the art and culture of the tribal people and their area," Mohapatra said.
Besides, Odia-based director Soumendra Padhi's film Duronto has also been chosen for the best children's film category. His film is based on the story of a child prodigy on his undying spirit to achieve the impossible. The film is based on the marathon boy Budhia Singh of Odisha.
Padhi would get Swarna Kamal and cash reward of Rs 1,50,000 while Mohapatra would get Rajat Kamal and Rs 1,00,000 cash prize.