India-Born Filmmaker Earns Recognition for Documentary on Odia Artist

India-born filmmaker Soumya Jyoti Pratihari has won the prestigious Tongues on Fire Flame Award for Best LGBTQIA+ Film at the UK Asian Film Festival for the documentary Shunya: Being Prafulla Mohanti.

The recognition comes shortly after the documentary had its world premiere at Riverside Studios on May 6.

The documentary focuses on the life and legacy of Prafulla Mohanti, the 91-year-old Odia artist, writer, architect, and cultural thinker whose work has spanned several decades. Mohanti is widely known for exploring themes such as identity, migration, spirituality, self-discovery, and human relationships through his artistic and literary contributions.

The film presents an intimate portrait of Mohanti’s creative journey and philosophical outlook, highlighting his influence in both Indian and international cultural spaces. Through conversations, archival material, and artistic reflections, the documentary seeks to capture the emotional and intellectual depth of his life and work.

The Tongues on Fire Flame Award is presented to films that contribute meaningfully to LGBTQIA+ representation and storytelling. The honour at the UK Asian Film Festival has brought international recognition to the documentary and its exploration of identity and human connection.

The UK Asian Film Festival is regarded as one of the leading South Asian film festivals outside Asia and showcases cinema that highlights diverse voices, cultures, and social narratives from across the region and diaspora communities.