Documentary on Odisha’s Ravana Chhaya wins National Film Award

Shankhajeet De has won the National Film Award (Best Arts/Cultural Film) for his documentary ‘In the Shadow of Time’ aka ‘Samayara Chhaire’. Shibu Prusty from Odisha also wins in this category.

In the Shadow of Time is a 90-minute-long documentary that explores the journey of Ravana Chhaya, the shadow puppet form practised in Odisha. Shankhajeet De is a New Delhi-based researcher and documentary filmmaker.

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“Delighted at the success and recognition of movie makers from Odisha at the 64th National Film awards. Along with the much acclaimed director Nila Madhab Panda, young filmmakers Lipika Singh Darai, Shankhajeet De and Shibu Prusty have charmed critics and jury with their magnificent and sensitive celluloid creations highlighting various social and other poignant issues,” said CM Naveen Patnaik.

“Documentary as a cinematic form is not so popular yet as much as we all would want it to be. I would appreciate and much value if you can spread/promote/share/give patronage/organise screening to this exciting type of films,” said Shankhajeet De.

Shankhajeet De will be awarded Rajat Kamal (Silver Lotus Award) and Rs 50,000 at the main event which will be held in New Delhi. The National Film Awards would be presented by the President on May 3, 2017.