Berhampur: In a resplendent confluence of creativity and culture, the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at Berhampur University transformed budding minds into visual storytellers during its week-long National Workshop on Documentary Film Production, held from March 14 to 20. Culminating on the auspicious occasion of Utkal Diwas, the valedictory ceremony became a cinematic celebration where student-produced documentaries emerged as the torch-bearers of Odisha's living heritage.
Hosted at the New Conference Hall, the grand screening unveiled a tapestry of powerful narratives crafted by the students, each frame echoing authenticity, each story breathing life into Odisha's vibrant ethos. From the bustling dry fish markets of Humma to the sacred fervour of Maa Taratarini's Chaitra Jatra, from the intricate artistry of Berhampuri Patto silk weaving to the vanishing shores of Podampeta village, and the age-old tradition of salt cultivation in Ganjam, these documentaries stood as poignant visual chronicles of a changing yet rooted society.
The workshop, generously supported by the PM-USHA (MERU) grant under the Ministry of Education, government of India, was guided by an illustrious academic leadership including Vice-Chancellor Prof Geetanjali Dash, PG Council Chairman Prof Sukanta Kumar Tripathy, and Convener Dr Bandita Kumari Panda, alongside Co-Convener Dr Neha Pandey. Their visionary mentorship, coupled with the dedicated efforts of faculty members, created an enriching ecosystem for cinematic exploration.
Gracing the occasion, Geetanjali Dash lauded the students' creative brilliance, describing the documentaries as "a priceless Utkal Diwas offering"-a heartfelt tribute that immortalises Odisha's soul through youthful vision and artistic sincerity. Adding cinematic depth to the workshop was the presence of nationally acclaimed filmmakers and experts such as Pranab Das and Sankhajeet De, along with renowned editor Amarendra Mohapatra, cinematographer Amarjeet Mohanty, and visual artiste Radhakanta Barik. Their hands-on guidance empowered students to traverse the entire filmmaking journey, from ideation to post-production, with finesse and confidence.
Participants from premier institutions including Central University of Odisha (CUO) Koraput, Ravenshaw University, and Rama Devi University collaborated in diverse teams, each weaving a unique narrative under expert mentorship.