The two-day film festival titled Environment- Beyond Trees and Tigers will showcase a selection of the finest documentaries from around the world on relevant environmental issues.

Inaugurating the festival, Minister for Rural Development, Industries and Law Biswabhushan Harichandan, said Orissa being a disaster prone State information on various environmental issues should be highlighted by film festivals.

"Repeated natural disasters have adversely affected the economy of the State. Therefore, there is a need to create awareness among rural people about the environmental issues," he added.

The film festival aims to raise awareness among the masses and especially among school and college students about issues like climate change and global warming, urban water scenario and rain water harvesting, wildlife protection and eco sanitation.

The festival took off with the national release of the Centre for Science and Environment's (CSE) new film, The Rain Catchers, a practical guide to solve your water problems. The film deals with the problems of water shortages being faced by most urban areas in the country and offers practical and cost effective solutions.

Among other films an animation film Oozy Ozone will be screened for young viewers. Various regional environmental issues were highlighted through a panel discussion participated by environmentalists, journalists and activists.

Besides a photo and poster exhibition on State's environment and traditional systems of rainwater harvesting and a drawing and painting competition for school children was also organised on the occasion.

Among others, film actor Sarat Pujari, Managing Editor of Down to Earth Pradip Saha, Director of Agragami Achyut Das, a activist, Secretary of Wildlife Society of Orissa Biswajit Mohanty, Associate Professor, IIMC Mrinal Chaterjee, were also present on the occasion.