Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Cannes, May 14:

Odia movie--God’s own People—based on Nabakalebara of Lord Jagannath, has stepped up to the International Market and was showcased at the Cannes Film Festival.

Tourism and Culture Minister, Ashok Chandra Panda along with internationally-acclaimed film director Nilamadhab Panda and co-producer Akshay Kumar Parija unveiled the film at the India pavilion in Cannes on its opening day yesterday. The full-length film will be eventually shown at Doc Corner, a documentary community of Cannes and also at world premiere market, ‘Marché du Film’ at Grey.

"We are here to explore the best possible market for channels and international distribution. We are already approached by many international film festivals and sales agent. We are going make the film reach out globally as it was targeted. It's a proud moment for all of us that today a film on Lord Jagannath along with our faith and culture is presented at an international platform. Hope many more movies will be coming from Odisha in future," informed Panda.

"It's a privilege and I consider it to be the blessings of Lord Jagannath that I can be of some service for spreading the Lords’ faith all over the world,"  said Akshay Kumar Parija, renowned filmmaker & the worldwide promoter along with Eleanora Images.

The film was unveiled in the presence of Minister of Tourism and Culture, Shri Ashok Panda; and the Director of Tourism, Shri Nitin Jawale.

Minister Panda has welcomed international filmmakers to come to Odisha and shoot.

The event took place at Indian Pavilion organized by FICCI. The Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, and Indian Ambassador to France Dr. Mohan Kumar was also present at the event.