Bhubaneswar: Award-winning documentary ‘Kotpad Weaving: The Story of a Race Against Time’ was premiered at the ‘Odisha Hastatanta Carnival’ recently.
Visitors and audience to the carnival, organised by Bartika Handlooms included film enthusiasts and textile/fashion designers. Writer-Director of the documentary, Biswanath Rath was also conferred ‘Bartika Artist Award’ which was received by Jayashree Mishra on his behalf. Jayashree, who hails from Kotpad and is an ardent Kotpad handloom fan also features in the documentary.
Speaker of Odisha Assembly Surya Narayan Patro and Minister of Handloom, Textiles and Handicrafts, Padmini Dian were among the guests.
Kotpad Handloom, a unique tribal textile tradition from Odisha, known internationally for its use of natural dye and tribal motifs, has never received the recognition and patronage it deserves. As a result, it is on the verge of extinction. This inspired Rath to make the documentary.
Th film was telecast on DD National on March 24, 2018. Prior to this premiere, the documentary ‘Kotpad Weaving’ has received three awards and was in the ‘official selection’ in 25 International Film Festivals.
It will have its Italian premiere at the Fashion Film Festival, Milano later this week.
