Sambalpuri masks make a splash on Cannes shores

Bhubaneswar: The Sambalpuri weave has wowed many across the country. Now, thanks to film-maker and producer Jitendra Mishra, it has reached the shores of Cannes, where masks made of Sambalpuri handloom has caught people’s fancy and has generated a buzz on social media.
“We could bring only 500 Sambalpuri masks, which I had brought from Odisha during my last visit. When we gifted these beautifully crafted, cotton masks to fellow film-makers at Cannes, it was highly appreciated. They just loved the colour, fabric and design of the masks,” said Mishra.
“My objective was to take our rich cultural heritage to the world stage with this small step. I will always be grateful to the weavers' community, who make us proud every day. Let’s support them together,” Mishra wrote on Twitter. Mishra and his wife Donna also walked the Cannes red carpet in Sambalpuri attire, designed by Mishra himself for this special occasion and made the best use of the platform to showcase the rich handloom heritage of Odisha.
“People from across the world appreciated the vibrant colour, distinct design and texture of the silk. It was a proud, happy and emotional moment for both of us to wear our own handloom on the red carpet. I have walked the Cannes red carpet before in a tuxedo, but there is certainly magic in our Sambalpuri attire. I feel more confident and optimistic when I wear it. I feel like my entire family from Odisha and India is walking with me,” Mishra added.
Reacting to Mishra’s post, BJD MLA Rohit Pujari said, “Great thought. I hope you will inspire more people to promote our Sambalpuri handloom.”
BJD leader Arkesh Singh Deo also appreciated the gesture. “This splendid act of yours says it all,” Singh Deo tweeted. Born at Titilagarh in Balangir district, Mishra has been associated with production, distribution and promotion of as many as 110 films in different categories. The ‘Last Color’, ‘Buried Seeds’, ‘Desires of the Heart’ and ‘Human Oak’ are some of his recent films.