Tag: Design

Events in Goa

56th IFFI 2025 Showcases Seven Remarkable Debut Masterpieces from India and Around the World

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 is set to honour emerging voices in world cinema with seven debut masterpieces selected for the Best Debut Feature Film of a Director Award. The prestigious competition aims to promote exceptional new talent and celebrate the creativity of first-time filmmakers who are shaping the future of global storytelling.

The winner of this coveted category will receive the Silver Peacock, a cash prize of ₹10 lakh, and a commendation. The selection will be decided by a distinguished jury chaired by celebrated Indian filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, alongside Graeme Clifford (Editor and Director, Australia), Katharina Schüttler (Actor, Germany), Chandran Rutnam (Filmmaker, Sri Lanka), and Remi Adefarasin (Cinematographer, England).

Representing the diversity of global cinema, the seven competing films include five international and two Indian titles.

Estonian filmmaker Tõnis Pill makes his debut with Fränk, a poignant coming-of-age story that explores fractured families and the healing power of unexpected friendship. Spanish filmmaker Gemma Blasco presents Fury (La Furia), a visceral feminist drama examining trauma, shame, and resilience through the lens of an actress reclaiming her narrative after assault.

From Germany, Christina Tournatzés’ Karla recounts the true story of a 12-year-old girl in 1962 Munich who bravely charges her abusive father — a sensitive portrayal of justice, trauma, and strength told with stunning emotional clarity.

Iranian director Hesam Farahmand’s My Daughter’s Hair (Raha) paints a powerful social portrait of class and dignity through the story of a father who sells his daughter’s hair to buy a laptop, only to uncover deep societal divides.

Mexican filmmaker Ernesto Martínez Bucio’s The Devil Smokes (and Saves the Burnt Matches in the Same Box) offers a haunting, surreal narrative about abandoned siblings grappling with isolation and imagination, merging childhood fears with psychological insight.

India’s cinematic talent is proudly represented by two powerful debut features. Tribeni Rai’s Shape of Momo, filmed in Nepali and set in Sikkim, follows a young woman’s quest for agency within a multi-generational household, exploring patriarchy and quiet resistance through lyrical storytelling. Shivraj Waichal’s Ata Thambaycha Naay! (Now, There’s No Stopping!) delivers a heartwarming Marathi-language drama inspired by true events, celebrating resilience and the transformative power of education among Mumbai’s sanitation workers.

Together, these seven films reflect IFFI’s ongoing mission to spotlight the next generation of cinematic storytellers — artists unafraid to confront social realities, reimagine tradition, and redefine what cinema can say. As the festival unfolds, audiences and jurors alike look forward to discovering which debut filmmaker will claim the Silver Peacock and join IFFI’s prestigious lineage of groundbreaking voices in world cinema.

Did You Know?

Because White Is Too Boring: Why the French Love Pink Toilet Paper!

Tanisha Cardozo

Did you know that in France, pink toilet paper isn’t just a cute bathroom accessory—it’s a quiet expression of elegance? While most of the world reaches for plain white rolls, the French have turned their bathrooms into spaces of charm and personality.

For decades, pink toilet paper has been the preferred choice in French homes, especially among those who value design and luxury. The soft pastel hue is often associated with cleanliness, warmth, and romance—a nod to the country’s enduring love for aesthetic beauty in even the most ordinary details.

In the mid-20th century, when colored toilet paper first became available, France embraced the pink shade for its visual softness and pleasant appearance against tiled walls and marble bathrooms. Over time, the color became a symbol of refinement, often seen in boutique hotels, stylish apartments, and upscale stores.

Cultural experts say that the French appreciation for pink toilet paper reflects a broader national mindset: beauty in everyday life matters. From the way they serve a cup of coffee to how they fold a napkin, the French find joy in detail and design. Choosing pink over white is a simple but elegant act—a way to make even mundane moments feel just a bit more special.

So, the next time you spot a pink roll in a Parisian home, know that it’s not just décor—it’s a cultural statement. In France, beauty belongs everywhere, even in the bathroom.

EduConnect

Building Roots: Tambdi Maati’s First Workshop Unites Youth Through Bamboo and Tradition

Tanisha Cardozo

Tambdi Maati Foundation (TMF), a grassroots initiative rooted in the Konkan region, held its first community-centric natural building workshop — titled ‘Map and Build Together’ — on August 30th and 31st, 2025, at the scenic Chafekhol plateau in Malvan.

The workshop brought together young architects, architecture students, and local participants to co-create a temporary bamboo structure while immersing themselves in the natural landscape, local knowledge, and shared purpose.

TMF, which stands for ‘Red Earth’ in Konkani, is the brainchild of three individuals representing different parts of the Konkan region: Tallulah Dsilva (Goa), a long-time advocate of sustainable architecture; Ahana Rao (Gokarna), a passionate architect working with natural materials; and Omkar Keni (Malvan), an advocate focused on land rights and ecological justice.

Together, they envision TMF as a platform that preserves and promotes traditional building wisdom, fosters skill-building among youth, and creates livelihood opportunities rooted in ecological and cultural sensitivity.

At the heart of the workshop was the experience of building with bamboo—a material known for its resilience, renewability, and cultural significance in the region. More than just learning structural techniques, participants were exposed to mapping landscapes, reading ecological cues, and understanding how built spaces can respond sensitively to place and people.

The impact was deeply personal. Rahuman Khalil, an architecture intern from Coimbatore, reflected:

“During our extensive walk on the plateau, I observed that the boundaries of three villages were marked simply by stones, showing that people living on the land built a living community, not dead boundaries.”

Kaniksha Bandodkar, an architect from Goa, shared:

“Building a bamboo structure for the community was a rewarding experience that not only showcased the versatility of sustainable materials but also brought people together, fostering a sense of unity and pride in our shared space.”

This was more than a workshop. It was a living classroom, a reimagining of architectural education outside conventional spaces, and a glimpse into what the future of community-led, sustainable design can look like.

With this successful beginning, TMF is laying the foundation for a larger movement — one that connects artisans, professionals, and youth across the Konkan belt to reclaim and reimagine the region’s architectural legacy.

Spotlight

Meet Rohit Chari, the Mastermind Behind Red Canvas Studio

allycaralgoa

Rohit Chari, the founder of Red Canvas Studio, has been making waves in the art world with his vibrant caricatures, quirky illustrations, and stunning murals. From his early days as a mischievous schoolboy doodling in his notebooks to becoming a renowned artist, Rohit’s journey is a testament to his passion and dedication to his craft.


Rohit’s artistic journey began in childhood, long before formal training shaped his skills. His school notebooks were never just for classwork; they were filled with doodles, often landing him in trouble with teachers. These early signs of an innate passion for art led him to enroll at the Goa College of Art, where he gradually honed his craft.


After working under various companies and firms, Rohit realized that his true calling – sketching and illustrations – was being restricted. Despite having a secure job at a reputed company, he felt his creative potential was not being fully utilized. The desire to explore unique artistic styles and break free from limitations kept growing. Amidst much contemplation, Rohit made a bold decision – to step away from conventional employment and carve his own path in the art industry. This leap of faith led to the birth of Red Canvas Studio, an independent venture dedicated to vibrant caricatures, quirky illustrations, and creative merchandise.


Rohit’s art is deeply rooted in Goa’s culture and heritage. He has worked on numerous projects that highlight Goan folk dances, traditional houses, cultural festivals, local transport, food, beaches, and iconic places. His murals have become a staple in many Goan restaurants and establishments, showcasing the state’s unique susegad lifestyle.


Rohit believes that humor plays a crucial role in his art form. “The more lively and humorous the artwork, the more appealing and engaging it becomes,” he says. His caricatures are a testament to this philosophy, often exaggerating the subject’s features to create a humorous and relatable piece.


Rohit has collaborated with numerous brands and establishments, including Coca-Cola, Namaste Chai, and Marriott. He’s always open to new collaborations and is currently working on creating merchandise and exploring different selling platforms to reach a wider audience.


Rohit’s story is a reminder that success is not solely dependent on formal training or conventional employment. With passion, dedication, and a willingness to take risks, anyone can turn their dreams into reality. As Rohit continues to push the boundaries of his art, we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this talented artist.