BHUBANESWAR: Eminent Odia producer and jury member at several international film festivals Jitendra Mishra visited the capital to work on producing a new Odia movie.
Mishra kicked off his career through ad films and documentaries. He stepped into filmmaking with ‘I am Kalam’ where he was the associate producer. This was his big break as this was followed by multiple successes in association with Nilamadhav Panda.
Among others, he is the associate Producer of award-winning Hollywood film called ‘Desires of the Heart’, ‘Executive Producer for Aasma and consultant of Chausar’. He was also involved in the marketing and promotion of ‘Desires of the Heart’ produced by Solila Parida. He was the world sales/distribution consultant for award-winning film ‘Kajarya’, directed by Madhureeta Anand and produced by Starfire Movies.
Interacting with media, Mishra said, “The reason for the current state of Odia film industry is weak filmmaking formulas. The state has a lot of creative talents who can create more award-winning movies. This is exactly why I have come to the city: to look for new concepts and scripts where I can elevate Odia movies. It’s high time now and I have decided to make Odia movies with global approach.”
“I have plans to make a movie on Odia cuisines along with Chef Vikas Khanna. Currently my main motto is 4Es ‘entertainment, engagement, education and empowerment’.” Mishra has been associated only with socially-relevant films made for young audience. He has worked in production, distribution and promotion of more than 110 films in all categories. He has also been an active member of Cannes producers’ network.
Upcoming projects of the talented producer are already on the horizon. ‘Aasma’, based on Indo-Pak conflict for Kashmir, Isha, based on role of education in eradication of superstitious practices like witchcraft and ‘Maiya’, based on an orphan kid who lives on the ghats of Varanasi and his relationship with a NRI Lady who also spends some time at the place.
Born to Radha Madhab Mishra and Saudamini Mishra in Titalgarh, Bolangir, Mishra is also a renowned festival director of Smile International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFFCY). Currently, he is also stressing on film tourism so that Odisha can develop as a hub for filmmaking in the country.
“The presence of Odia movies in international film festivals is vital. I am open to new ideas, faces and directors who can showcase Odia culture and traditions,” he said. The filmmaker seems determined to give the Odia movie industry a fillip with a global approach in filmmaking.