Panaji: Goa’s rich cultural heritage has earned international recognition with Hovyo: Echoes of the Past, a documentary directed by Tanisha Pawar, being officially selected for the International Tagore Film Awards (ITFA) 2026 in Kolkata.
The International Tagore Film Awards, headquartered in Kolkata, celebrate outstanding independent cinema from across the globe, recognising excellence in feature films, documentaries, short films and other categories.
The documentary was produced as a final-year academic project at St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa, where Tanisha Pawar served as the writer, researcher and director. The production team included Manoj Rathod, Loukik Avasare, and Vaibhavi Joshi, who handled cinematography, editing and various aspects of the filmmaking process.
Hovyo: Echoes of the Past explores Hovyo, one of Goa’s rapidly disappearing oral folk traditions traditionally sung by women during wedding ceremonies and everyday social gatherings. Through detailed field research, expert interviews and documentation of folk artists, the documentary captures the cultural, historical and social significance of this unique musical tradition while emphasising the importance of preserving it for future generations.
Speaking about the achievement, Tanisha Pawar said, “As the director of this project, this selection is a proud milestone in bringing attention to Goa’s intangible cultural heritage and the voices that continue to keep it alive.”
The film’s international selection is a significant milestone not only for the young creative team but also for Goa’s growing independent film community. It showcases how emerging Gen Z filmmakers are using cinema as a powerful medium to document, preserve and celebrate Goa’s traditions while presenting local stories on the global stage.
The recognition also highlights the role of educational institutions like St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa, in nurturing young storytellers who are committed to preserving Goa’s cultural identity through meaningful filmmaking.
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