Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral
Goan documentary Bhaangar: Kalakusar Karigiri, directed by Prachi Shirodkar, has been officially selected for screening at the 9th edition of the International Folklore Film Festival (IFFF), Kerala. The festival will be held from January 15 to 22, 2026, across five venues in the state, bringing together folklore-focused films and documentaries from around the world.
Among 659 national and international short films submitted, Bhaangar: Kalakusar Karigiri stands out as one of only two Goan films selected for the week-long festival, marking a significant milestone for Goan cinema and cultural representation on an international platform.
Directed, shot, and narrated by Prachi Shirodkar, and edited by Mario Pimenta, the documentary offers an intimate portrayal of Goa’s traditional goldsmith community. The film was produced under the guidance of Agnelo D’Souza at Don Bosco College, Panjim, and documents the intricate craftsmanship, heritage, and lived realities of artisans whose skills have been passed down through generations.
The documentary features Goan artisans Rashila Shirodkar, Virendra Rivankar, and Pranay Shirodkar, capturing their techniques, artistic precision, and the cultural significance of gold craftsmanship in Goa. Through careful observation and storytelling, the film highlights the deep connection between labour, identity, and tradition within the community.
Prachi Shirodkar, a Goan filmmaker with a diploma in Architecture and a degree in Mass Communication, created Bhaangar: Kalakusar Karigiri with the intention of documenting and preserving the craftsmanship of Goan gold artisans. As a Goan woman filmmaker, her work represents an important contribution to women’s empowerment, amplifying female voices in documentary filmmaking and cultural narratives.
Beyond celebrating Goan heritage, the film also underscores women’s leadership, authorship, and creative ownership in cinema—fields historically dominated by men. Prachi’s journey reflects a growing movement of Goan women reclaiming and narrating stories rooted in culture, labour, and identity.
The 9th International Folklore Film Festival is being organised by the International Film Festival of Thrissur, Bhoumam Social Initiative, Centre for Media Studies, St. Thomas College, Thrissur, and International Folk Films India. Dedicated to showcasing films rooted in folklore, rural traditions, mythology, arts, handicrafts, and sustainable lifestyles, the festival serves as a global platform for culturally grounded storytelling.
Bhaangar: Kalakusar Karigiri stands as a meaningful contribution to this global dialogue, proudly representing Goan culture, craftsmanship, and women-led storytelling on the international stage.
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