Patna: On June 25, the Bihar State Film Development and Finance Corporation showcased the award-winning Hindi feature film Jat Jatin at the House of Variety, located within the Regent Cinema Campus in Patna. The event was part of the ongoing Coffee with Film series, aimed at promoting regional cinema and encouraging film production in Bihar.
Cinema enthusiasts from diverse genres participated in the screening of Jat Jatin, a film that has garnered more than 70 international awards and has been screened in 55 countries.
Addressing the audience, the Film Corporation’s advisor on film matters, Arvind Ranjan Das, highlighted the corporation’s efforts to promote Bihar as a hub for filmmaking. He stated that the state’s film promotion policy has sparked renewed enthusiasm among artists and technicians, with permissions granted for the shooting of 22 films so far—generating significant employment opportunities in the region.
Producer and creator Anil Patang shared that Jat Jatin is not just a cinematic project but an effort to bring global attention to Bihar’s folk dance heritage. “There are many folk dances in Bihar that can be transformed into cultural landmarks with the right attention,” he said. Despite its international acclaim, Patang admitted that the film did not achieve commercial success due to limited opportunities.
Theatre artist Punj Prakash praised the initiative, saying that the revival and documentation of traditional forms like Jat Jatin are crucial at a time when such practices are fading from public memory. “The steps taken by the Film Corporation and House of Variety are truly commendable,” he added.
Director of Regent Cinema, Suman Kumar Sinha, said that hosting Coffee with Film events monthly would further boost public interest in Bihari cinema.
The event was attended by actors Amiya Kashyap, Rakesh Mahant, and theatre artist Aneesh Ankur, alongside numerous cinephiles. Guests were welcomed with flower bouquets by the Film Corporation’s finance advisor, VD Mishra. Also present were actors Mahendra and Amiya, producer Anil Patang, and noted director Punj Prakash.
