Aspiring storytellers master cinematic crafts at Berhampur University’s workshop
Berhampur University’s Department of Journalism and Mass Communication concluded a high-impact national workshop on documentary production this Wednesday, coinciding with the vibrant celebrations of Utkal Diwas. Supported by the Ministry of Education’s PM-USHA (MERU) grant, the week-long initiative empowered students to move beyond textbooks and into the field with professional-grade cinema equipment.
From Script to Screen
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Geetanjali Dash praised the creative output during the valedictory session at the New Conference Hall. Students from premier institutions, including Ravenshaw and Rama Devi University, collaborated to produce five distinct documentaries. These films explored the cultural and economic pulse of South Odisha, documenting the famous Humma dry fish market, the intricate weaving of Berhampuri Patto silk, and the spiritual fervor of the Maa Taratarini Chaitra Jatra.
Mentorship by Industry Icons
National Award-winning filmmakers Pranab Das and Sankhajeet De led a panel of veterans who provided hands-on training. Alongside experts like Amarendra Mohapatra and Amarjeet Mohanty, participants navigated the complexities of visual storytelling and post-production. This intensive training specifically addressed the disappearing coastal life in Podampeta and the grueling labour of salt cultivation in Ganjam, providing a voice to marginalized local narratives.
Regional Impact
Ganjam district has long served as the cultural gateway of Southern Odisha, and using its landscapes as a classroom bridges the gap between academic theory and grassroots journalism. Under the leadership of Dr. Bandita Kumari Panda, the department successfully turned local heritage into a digital archive. This focus on "Information Gain" ensures that the next generation of Odisha journalists possesses both the technical skills and the social empathy required for modern media.
