Glimpses of BFF 2024
The 2nd edition of the Bhubaneswar Film Festival (BFF) is set to bring the magic of cinema to the heart of Odisha. Organised by the Bhubaneswar Film Circle, this four-day event will take place from June 6 to June 9, 2025, at Jayadev Bhawan. Designed as a multilingual film festival, it will showcase a variety of films in languages such as Odia, Hindi, Urdu, Marathi, Gujarati, Chattisgarhi, Bengali, and Kannada. Alongside screenings, the festival will host master classes on screenplay writing and acting, making it a meaningful experience for film enthusiasts and aspiring artists.
What are the timings and schedule of screenings at BFF 2025?
The Bhubaneswar Film Festival ensures a delightful experience for all attendees by offering a thoughtfully planned schedule. Below is a day-wise breakdown of the screenings, which begin at 10 AM each day.
Day 1 (6th June): A Vibrant Start
The festival opens on June 6 with Matira Manisha (Odia) at 10 AM, a classic film that explores the struggles of a rural Odia family. At 12 noon, Ankur (Hindi) will be screened, a 1974 drama about social inequalities in rural India. At 2:30 PM, KAA (Odia) delves into the complexities of human relationships, followed by Bhakta Salabega (Odia) at 4:45 PM, a devotional film about the life of the 17th-century Muslim poet Salabega, who became a devotee of Lord Jagannath. The day concludes with the festival’s inauguration at 7 PM.
Day 2 (7th June): Diversity in Stories
On June 7, the day begins with Hamid (Urdu) at 10 AM, a touching story of a young boy’s journey to connect with his father. At 12 noon, Shwaas (Marathi) portrays the emotional bond between a grandfather and his grandson facing a medical crisis. Bhavni Bhavai (Gujarati) at 2:45 PM is a folk-inspired tale of love and sacrifice, while Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (Hindi) at 7 PM narrates the decline of a feudal family through the eyes of a loyal servant.
Day 3 (8th June): Unique Narratives
June 8 starts with Krantidhara (Odia) at 10 AM, a film that highlights women’s empowerment in rural Odisha. At 12 noon, Sikaisal (Tiwa) offers a rare glimpse into the Tiwa community’s traditions. Bhulan: The Maze (Chattisgarhi) at 2:45 PM is a mystery drama set in a village, and Mege Dhaka Tara (Bengali) at 7:45 PM is a poignant story of a woman’s sacrifices for her family during the partition of Bengal.
Day 4 (9th June): A Memorable Finale
The final day, June 9, opens with Jajabara (Odia) at 10 AM, a film about a wanderer’s journey through life. Nirbachana (Odia) at 12:15 PM explores the challenges of democracy in rural Odisha. At 2:45 PM, Kanakalata (Odia) tells the story of a freedom fighter’s sacrifices, followed by Ghatashraddha (Kannada) at 4:30 PM, a powerful narrative about societal norms in a Brahmin community. The festival ends with Adina Megha (Odia) at 7 PM, a poetic tale of love and longing.
Will there be any filmmaking workshops during the Bhubaneswar Film Festival 2025?
The Bhubaneswar Film Festival is not only about watching films but also about learning the art of filmmaking, which is especially valuable for Odisha’s creative community.
Screenplay Writing Master Class at Gita Govind Sadan
On June 7 at 2 PM, a master class on screenplay writing will be held at Gita Govind Sadan. This session is an excellent opportunity for aspiring writers in Odisha to learn the craft of storytelling, a skill essential for creating impactful cinema that resonates with local audiences.
Acting Master Class at Press Club
On June 8 at 2 PM, an acting master class at the Press Club will provide practical insights for budding actors. This event will inspire Odisha’s youth to explore acting as a career, fostering talent in the state’s growing film industry.
How can I attend the Bhubaneswar Film Festival 2025?
The festival will be held at Jayadev Bhawan in Bhubaneswar from June 6 to 9. Screenings start at 10 AM each day, with special events like the inauguration at 7 PM on the first day. To ensure a pleasant experience, arrive early to secure your seat, especially for popular screenings like Matira Manisha and Adina Megha. Bring a notebook if you plan to attend the master classes, as they offer valuable insights for aspiring filmmakers and actors. The Bhubaneswar Film Festival is an opportunity for Odisha’s residents to immerse themselves in the world of cinema.
Will regional and tribal language films be featured at the Bhubaneswar Film Festival (BFF) 2025?
The Bhubaneswar Film Festival holds great significance for Odisha, as it promotes regional cinema and builds a community of film lovers. With a strong focus on Odia films like Matira Manisha, Jajabara, and Adina Megha. It provides a platform for local filmmakers to showcase their work, encouraging the growth of the Odia film industry. Additionally, the inclusion of films in languages like Chhattisgarhi, Tiwa, and Bengali introduces Odisha’s audiences to the diversity of Indian cinema.
