BHUBANESWAR: ‘Mercy of God’, a documentary film on Cyclone Fani in Odisha by Amartya Bhattacharyya, won six major awards at the 12th NOHU International Short Film Festival 2019 in New Jersey, USA.
The awards are Best Film – “Mercy of God”, Best Director – Amartya Bhattacharyya, Best Original Score – Kisaloy Roy, Best Editing – Amartya Bhattacharyya, Best Cinematography – Amartya Bhattacharyya, Best Producer – Priyanka Ghosh Roy.
‘Mercy of God’, a silent portrait of Odisha after the cyclone, was the only Indian film in the list. The festival, which was held in the Union City screened 8 selected films from different parts of the world on October 11th.
The extremely severe cyclone, Fani, which hit Odisha on May 3 has affected several lives and lifestyles in the remote rural villages of Odisha. The damage caused is huge, and many areas are still restoring normalcy.
National award winning independent filmmaker Amartya Bhattacharyya, who is also a very passionate social worker, traveled to the remote interiors and witnessed the lives of several affected villagers. He captured the aftermath in his latest creation.
The film, with no spoken words, start with the dedication – ‘To the undaunted spirit of Odisha’. Unlike most of Amartya’s works which have strong elements of fantasy, surrealism and philosophy, this film is a realistic mirror showcasing the terrible condition of cyclone-affected Odisha.
Amartya said, “The film has won in all major categories. This is what I have always wished for – not to be recognized for one or two areas, but to be recognized in all departments of film-making. I’m glad that our dedicated efforts in every department got recognition.”