Award-winning Film Director Biswanath Rath becomes first Odia Filmmaker to win 500 International Film Festival Accolades/Awards

By Our Correspondent

Bhubaneswar , 12 : In last 10 years (2013-2023), Internationally acclaimed writer-director Biswanath Rath and his short films, documentaries, music videos are known for representing Odisha/India and even Asia in International Film Festivals across the globe. However, recently he has achieved a unique feat/milestone, which only few Indian filmmakers have been able to achieve. 

At the recently held Miseentage International Film Festival (India), two of his films; English Documentary ‘The SoulCatcher’ and Sambalpuri Music Video ‘KahideThare’ won ‘Best Director (Documentary) Award’ and ‘Best Music Video Award’ respectively, taking the total tally of his International Film Festival Awards/Accolades to 503.

 A Post-Graduate in Screenwriting and Film Direction, Biswanath Rath hails from Jeypore (Koraput District, Odisha). In last 10 years, he has got several award-winning short films, documentaries, Music Videos, Ad films to his credit as Writer-Director. As of today, his films have received 503 awards and recognitions in International Film Festivals across the world bringing glory to Odisha/India/Asia. From USA to Europe, from Africa to Australia, Biswanath’s films have travelled length and breadth of the world and have been screened in all continents. His films have been thoroughly appreciated by the film festival audience as well as general audience from various cities/countries. In addition to direction, writing of script and lyrics, he has also shot and edited some of his short films and documentaries. He is the founder of the award-winning Film Production Company ’BnR Films’, which was co-founded by his wife Archana Rath. BnR Films produces Short Films, Documentaries, Music Videos, TV commercials, Ad-Films, Corporate Videos etc. and has got Pan India as well as international presence. 

Biswanath’s films are known for their local content with global appeal. Most of these contents are based on Odia/Indian culture, traditions, art and ways of life.

 He has made documentaries and social short films on a wide range of subjects, concepts and themes which deal with Odisha or Odia people. These films have not just represented India/Asia in International forum, but also have successfully created the much-needed awareness on lesser-known art/craft traditions, social issues and also have ignited debates and discussions on these topics. 

As mentioned by him in his earlier interviews, Biswanath’s stories/films are based on or inspired by true events/incidents and real issues. However, he always presents these content in very unique, engaging, entertaining ways because of which, in addition to their incredible film festival run, some of these films are also currently streaming on few of the major National/International OTT platforms like Amazon Prime (India, US, UK, Australia, Canada), Epic TV, Tubi, Plex, MX Player, Disney Hotstar, Docubay etc. Additionally, his music videos have garnered lakhs of views on YouTube. Because of his achievements and contribution to cinema, he has also been awarded/honored by several Odia/Indian socio-cultural associations in India (Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, Delhi etc) and abroad.