Kendrapada: India-born filmmaker Soumya Jyoti Pratihari has drawn global attention to an Odia story with his documentary, “Shunya: Being Prafulla Mohanti”. The film won the Tongues on Fire Flame Award for Best LGBTQIA+ film at the UK Asian Film Festival. The recognition comes shortly after the film had its world premiere at Riverside Studios, London, on May 6.
The Story Behind the Documentary
This documentary portrays the five-decade-long friendship of writer and painter Prafulla Mohanti with Derek Moore, a civil service lawyer. Moore died at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar on February 15, 2011, and to fulfill his last wish, he was cremated at Nanpur in Jajpur district. To honor Moore’s memory, Mohanti began hosting an annual day-long festival of creativity in his village, inspiring new generations.
Prafulla Mohanti's Journey
Born in a riverside nondescript Nanpur village in 1934, Mohanti’s journey took him across continents. He first moved to Mumbai, where he studied Architecture at JJ School of Art. His pursuit of knowledge and creativity led him to England, where he began working as an architect in London.
Filmmaker's Dedication
Pratihari spent nearly five years working closely with Prafulla Mohanti for the documentary. “I have been visiting the UKAFF for the last few years as an audience. The film is hand stitched over seven years and it feels privileged and honoured to have bagged the award,” he said. Producer Prodeepta Das added, “It has been a long journey and a relief to have the film on big screen and what a pleasure for the film to be recognised and awarded by the UK Asian Film Festival.”
Symbolism of 'Shunya'
The title, “Shunya”, refers to the cosmic circle and the philosophical idea of emptiness or infinity, themes that frequently appear in Prafulla Mohanti’s paintings and writings. The documentary combines archival footage, interviews, and personal reflections to paint a moving portrait of a migrant artist who continued creating despite personal loss, age, and illness.
Additional Information
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About the Author
Ashis Senapati, a seasoned journalist with the Times of India, reports from Kendrapada, Odisha. Covering crime, social issues, and local events in Jajpur, Jagatsinghpur, and Kendrapada districts, his impactful stories, including human-animal conflicts and legal developments, reflect deep community insight, earning recognition for highlighting critical regional concerns.
