Argus News - IRS Officer's Directorial 'Kathakar Ki Diary' Selected For 15th South Asian Film Festival Of Montreal

Mumbai, Feb 17: In an era dominated by big-budget spectacles, an independent film from eastern India has earned international recognition for telling stories from the margins.

'Kathakar Ki Diary', directed by Anwesh, an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, has been officially selected for the 15th South Asian Film Festival of Montreal. The film, made without a conventional production budget, was created by more than 200 independent artists from Odisha, Jharkhand and Maharashtra.

The selection marks another milestone in the film’s growing international journey.

Stories from the Margins
Shot across the rugged landscapes of Odisha and the streets of Mumbai, the film follows five protagonists drawn from some of India’s most marginalised communities.

Among them are members of the Hill Kharia tribe, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group from Odisha, whose lives are rarely depicted in mainstream cinema. The narrative also explores the experiences of a trans woman, a child and an athlete, blending realism with elements of magical realism.

Rather than relying on spectacle, the film focuses on themes of resilience, dignity and survival in everyday life.

From Civil Service to Cinema
Director Anwesh, who serves as an Additional Commissioner in the Indian Revenue Service, balanced his government responsibilities with independent filmmaking.

The film has drawn praise from several quarters. Veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha described it as reminiscent of the works of Satyajit Ray and Mrinal Sen, noting its emotional depth and technical execution despite limited resources.

International Recognition
The film has received multiple accolades and selections at international festivals:

Winner, Best International Film (No Budget) – International New York Film Festival

Winner, Best International Feature – 12th Director’s Cut International Film Festival (Canada)

Nominee, NETPAC Award – 31st Kolkata International Film Festival

Official Selection – Buenos Aires International Film Festival (Argentina)

Nominee, Best Experimental Film – 22nd Abuja International Film Festival (Nigeria)

Official Selection – South Asian International Film Festival of Florida

Nominee – Alternative Film Festival (Vancouver)

Official Selection – 22nd Third Eye Asian Film Festival (Mumbai)

Official Selection – 15th Jagran Film Festival

Screening in Montreal
The film is scheduled to be screened at the Kabir Centre for Arts and Culture in Montreal as part of the South Asian Film Festival.

For the filmmakers and the wider independent cinema community, the recognition underscores that stories rooted in local realities can resonate across borders.