Goa, November 2025 — An evocative and deeply human experimental documentary Meraki, by the Sea has been officially selected under the Goan Section at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) Goa 2025. The 37-minute English-Konkani docu-montage, directed by acclaimed Goan filmmaker Himanshu Singh and produced by Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas, chronicles the inspiring journey of Festacar Marius Fernandes, fondly known as “The Festival Man of Goa.”
Filmed across Goa’s vibrant villages and coastlines, Meraki, by the Sea captures the essence of Goa’s art, music, and community spirit that defines its cultural identity. The film explores Festacar’s beliefs, philosophy, and the passion that fuels his mission to revive Goan heritage through his unique, people-driven public festivals.
Over the past 25 years, Marius has created and nurtured over 100 community festivals across Goa and three in the UK, each built on inclusion, sustainability, and the power of togetherness. Shot by cinematographer Nehal Chari and sound designed by Pankaj Katware, the film is a visual and emotional tribute to the idea of doing something with meraki — the Greek word for doing things with soul, creativity, and love.
The film is dedicated to the late Senhor Zito de Ornelas Gomes, founder of Goa’s first musical band, “Tuna Los Coimbranos,” established on August 15, 1962. Through this dedication, the film honors his pioneering contribution to Goan music and cultural expression.
Director Himanshu Singh, a Goa State Award-winning filmmaker known for his humanistic and visually immersive storytelling, described the film as a reflection on the spirit of giving and collective joy. “Through Festacar’s journey, I wanted to explore how one man transforms festivals into living acts of connection and creativity. His story reminded me that culture thrives not in museums, but in people — in laughter, food, and shared moments,” he said.
Producer Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas, a Goan academic and cultural advocate, views the film as both a personal and creative tribute to her late father and to Festacar’s mission. “It’s a joy to see Meraki, by the Sea as part of IFFI 2025. The work of Festacar has always inspired me to be culturally rooted. During IFFI 2024, Himanshu and I discussed documenting his story — and here we are, a year later, celebrating its selection,” she shared.
Marius Fernandes’ lifelong commitment to fostering inclusivity and sustainability through festivals has made him an icon of community-led cultural revival. His initiatives have empowered locals, preserved traditions, and given Goans across generations a reason to celebrate their shared identity.
As Meraki, by the Sea premieres at IFFI 2025, it not only stands as a cinematic ode to Goa’s enduring cultural rhythm but also as a reminder of what it means to live and create with soul — with meraki.
