Bhubaneswar: It takes a lot of sensitivity and insight to rescue a dying tradition or art from extinction. The Kotpad weavers, who belong to the Mirgan community of Kotpad, Odisha have no idea that their unique textile tradition is being discussed by international fashion and textile designers. The credit goes to Biswanath Rath, whose international documentary, ‘Kotpad Weaving: The Story of a Race Against Time’ won the ‘Award of Excellence 2018’ at the recently concluded ‘Metro Film & TV Awards, USA.
Kotpad Handloom, in which natural dye and tribal motifs are used, has unfortunately, never received the recognition and patronage it deserves. Rath’s is the first ever documentary on this subject to create awareness about this craft.
Produced by PSBT (Public Service Broadcasting Trust), the 30-minute documentary was telecasted on DD National on March 24, 2018.
Prior to this, the documentary has received an award and official selections in eight other International Film Festivals, all within nine months of its TV premiere. Talking about this progress, Writer-Director Biswanath said, “In a month’s time, our documentary will be screened at two more festivals, ‘Monthly Screening of Award-winning Docs’ at Pune and ‘Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival, Mumbai.’”
“Unfortunately and unbelievably, very few people in Koraput district or Odisha know about this unique handloom, let alone other states or region. I felt the need to create awareness not just about the handloom, the dyers and weavers, but also the reason behind its languishing days and probable solutions to give this handloom a second chance. I aspired to take Kotpad handloom’s story to a global audience,” added Rath.
Biswanath Rath is the Founder & CEO of BnR Films LLP, a Pune-based Film Production company (co-founded by his wife Archana Rath) which produces ad-Films, TV commercials, corporate and music videos, documentaries, promotional films, short films and feature films.
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