EntertainmentPosted at: May 14 2026 3:04AM


Odia story shines globally as ‘Shunya’ wins UK film festival award

Bhubaneswar, May 13 (UNI) ‘Shunya: Being Prafulla Mohanti’, a documentary on noted Odia artist and writer Prafulla Mohanti, has won the Tongues on Fire Flame Award for Best LGBTQIA Film at the UK Asian Film Festival.
Directed by India-born filmmaker Soumya Jyoti Pratihari, the documentary recently had its world premiere at Riverside Studios in London on May 6.
The film traces the life and journey of the 91-year-old artist, architect and cultural thinker, whose work has explored themes of identity, migration, spirituality and human connection over several decades.
Pratihari, an alumnus of Goldsmiths, University of London, said he spent nearly five years working closely with Mohanti, lending the documentary an intimate and personal narrative.
“I have been visiting the UK Asian Film Festival for the last few years as an audience member. The film is hand-stitched over seven years and it feels privileged and honoured to have bagged the award,” the director said.
Producer Prodeepta Das said the recognition marked the culmination of a long journey for the team.
The documentary explores Mohanti’s journey from a village in Odisha to Mumbai’s JJ School of Art and later to England, where he worked as an architect and town planner before dedicating himself fully to painting and literature.
The film also highlights the racism and isolation Mohanti faced after moving to Britain, including a violent racist attack in London that became a turning point in his life and artistic career.
Using archival footage, interviews and personal reflections, the documentary presents a portrait of an artist who continued creating despite ageing, illness and personal loss.
The award at the UK Asian Film Festival is being seen as a significant recognition for regional Indian storytelling on the global stage. UNI
Please log in to get detailed story.
Tags: #Odia story shines globally as ‘Shunya’ wins UK film festival award
More News

The promo of 'The India Story' released

06 Jun 2026 | 12:29 AM

Mumbai, June 5 (UNI) The makers of The India Story have released the first promotional glimpse of the film, offering a powerful look at a story centred on the alarming issue of food adulteration.

see more..

Manoj Bajpayee takes a trip down memory lane to 1996, visits India's first McDonald's ahead of 'Governor' release

06 Jun 2026 | 12:25 AM

Mumbai, June 5 (UNI) With "Governor" gearing up for its theatrical release, actor Manoj Bajpayee has taken a walk down memory lane by visiting the McDonald's outlet in Delhi's Vasant Vihar, widely recognised as one of the first outlets of the global fast-food chain to open in India during the post-liberalisation era.

see more..

Hindi 'Drishyam 3' to offer fresh narrative

05 Jun 2026 | 7:56 PM

Mumbai, June 5 (UNI) The Hindi adaptation of "Drishyam 3" is set to take a different route from its Malayalam counterpart, with the makers reportedly introducing significant changes to the storyline and key plot twists while preserving the essence of the franchise.

see more..

'Rise and Fall of' franchise lands in Rome

05 Jun 2026 | 5:35 PM

Rome, June 5 (UNI) The makers of popular documentary series "Rise and Fall of" franchise now pans its camera on the 'Eternal City,' Rome.

see more..

Abby Elliott boards 'The Kellys'

05 Jun 2026 | 5:15 PM

Los Angeles, June 5 (UNI) Abby Elliott, best known for her role in the acclaimed series The Bear, has joined the cast of the upcoming action thriller "The Kellys", alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger, Liam Hemsworth and Kelsey Asbille.

see more..