Tag: Goa

Human Interest

Empowering Digital Governance: Goa Hosts State-Level UX Design Workshop

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

A two-day State-level Awareness and Sensitisation Workshop on User Experience and Design System took place on November 6–7, 2025, at the Commercial Tax Department, Altinho, Panaji. The event aimed to foster best practices, exchange ideas, and address challenges in implementing effective UX/UI for public-facing e-services.

Organised by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology through the National e-Governance Division (NeGD), in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC) and the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Government of Goa, the workshop brought together officials from various government departments for an engaging learning experience on user-centred design.

The inaugural session was graced by Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director of the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), and Shri Sameer Datar, State Informatics Officer, NIC Goa. In his address, Shri Shirgaonkar highlighted the importance of understanding user interface and experience in government applications and encouraged participants to apply these insights within their respective departments to improve digital service delivery.

The first day featured five sessions covering topics such as design thinking, accessible design, UX4G demonstrations, and the integration of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, with user-centric design principles to enhance trust and compliance. Experts leading the sessions included Mr. Ajeet Kumar, Deputy General Manager, NeGD, Mrs. Neeta Tandon, Consultant, NIC, Ms. Aparajita Singh, Principal Lead, Changeinkk, Ms. Stuti Sharma and Ms. Prapti Bhardwaj, UI/UX Designers, and Mr. Priyanshu Yadav, Domain Expert on DPDP.

The second day focused on hands-on training under the UX4G initiative, equipping participants with the skills to design and develop intuitive, user-friendly digital platforms that elevate the citizen experience. The workshop concluded with a collective vision to strengthen Goa’s e-governance landscape through design innovation and empathy-driven digital transformation.

Events in Goa

Goa to Host Grand Open-Air Inauguration for IFFI with Carnival & Shigmo Floats

Tanisha Cardozo

The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will open this year with a grand open-air inaugural ceremony in Panaji, marking a first in the festival’s history. The celebration will feature a spectacular parade of Carnival and Shigmo floats that will move from the Old Secretariat to the Old GMC Complex, setting the tone for a vibrant and cinematic beginning. The red carpet and formal inauguration will take place in front of the Old GMC building, where arrangements are being made to accommodate between 2,000 and 2,500 guests.

A total of 26 film-themed floats will participate in the opening parade, including 12 from Goa, showcasing the state’s artistic and cultural diversity. To recognize creativity and craftsmanship, the best five floats will be awarded. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed that this is the first time the IFFI inauguration will be held in front of the Old GMC building and clarified that rumors suggesting a venue change due to the FIDE event were unfounded.

With the streets of Panaji set to come alive in color, music, and cinematic flair, this year’s IFFI promises to blend Goa’s festive culture with the magic of world cinema in a truly grand celebration.

Social

Navelim Leads the Way in Sustainability with Successful E-Waste Collection Drive

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Lions Club of Navelim marked a significant step toward environmental responsibility with a successful e-waste collection drive held at Rosary Church, Navelim. The initiative, led by MJF Lion Joseph D’Costa, District Coordinator for E-Waste Collection Awareness, received an enthusiastic response from parishioners who turned up in large numbers to deposit their discarded electronic items.

Supported by MJF Lion Trevor Mascarenhas and other dedicated Lions members, the drive aimed to promote responsible disposal and recycling of electronic waste, a growing concern in modern households. The event saw participation and encouragement from prominent Lions officials including District Governor Lion JaiAmol Naik, DCS Lion Kirti Naik, PDG Lion Sasindran Nair, Region Chairperson Lion Dharmu Raut Desai, and Parish Priest Fr. Gabriel Coutinho, who lauded the initiative for its positive environmental impact and community engagement.

The collected e-waste comprised a wide range of items such as computers, printers, TV sets, music systems, mobile phones, and UPS units. All the materials were responsibly handed over to a government-approved waste collection agency for safe and compliant recycling.

The drive not only reduced the local electronic waste burden but also raised awareness about the importance of sustainable waste management and recycling. It reflected the Lions Club’s ongoing commitment to community service and environmental conservation, setting a strong example for other regions in Goa to follow.

Events in Goa

Cinema from Northeast India Shines at IFFI 2025 with Powerful Lineup from Assam, Manipur, and Sikkim

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo, Team Allycaral

Cinema from Northeast India is set to make a strong impression at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 in Goa, with a remarkable lineup of films from Assam, Manipur, and Sikkim featured in the Indian Panorama section. The festival, scheduled from November 20 to 28, 2025, continues to serve as a vibrant showcase of Indian creativity, cultural diversity, and cinematic excellence.

The Indian Panorama, a flagship component of IFFI since 1978, is devoted to promoting Indian films that represent the best of the country’s creative spirit and cultural heritage. This year’s selection highlights the Northeast’s cinematic growth and the region’s distinctive storytelling tradition that blends realism, identity, and emotion.

In the Feature Film category, Assam and Manipur have made a powerful mark. Bhaimon Da (Assamese), directed by Sasanka Samir and produced by Zeal Creations, tells the inspiring story of celebrated Assamese filmmaker Munin Barua, exploring his life and the challenges faced by Assamese cinema across decades. The film is both a tribute and a chronicle of artistic perseverance.

From Manipur, Naorem Dinesh Singh’s Oitharei continues the state’s legacy of socially conscious cinema. The film tells the story of a widow displaced by the ethnic unrest in Manipur since 2023, offering a poignant portrayal of grief, survival, and the quest for peace. Produced under Oitharei, it reflects the emotional depth that has long defined Manipuri filmmaking, echoing the work of masters like Aribam Syam Sharma.

Adding to Assam’s prominence is Sikaar, directed by Debangkar Borgohain and produced by Mitra Bhattacharya, which has been selected for the Mainstream Cinema section. Starring Zubeen Garg, Urmila Mahanta, and Adil Hussain, the film is being hailed for its high production values, compelling narrative, and status as the most expensive Assamese film ever made. Sikaar symbolizes a new era of ambition for Assamese cinema, blending regional storytelling with national appeal.

The region’s strength also extends to the Non-Feature Film category. Assam’s Patralekha, directed by Namrata Datta, explores themes of identity and communication through a poetic lens. From Manipur, Battlefield by Borun Thokchom captures the stark realities of life in a conflict-torn state with documentary precision and emotional power.

From Sikkim, Samten Bhutia’s Shangrila, produced by the National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC), provides a rare window into Sikkimese culture and creativity. The Sikkimese-language documentary expands the cinematic map of the Northeast, celebrating the region’s evolving artistic identity and contribution to Indian cinema.

On November 27, IFFI will host a special discussion titled “New North East Cinema and Film Schools.” The session will examine the emergence of a new generation of filmmakers from Indian film schools, particularly from the Northeast, and how these institutions nurture unique voices that bring fresh perspectives to national cinema. The dialogue will explore how these directors are reshaping Indian storytelling through authenticity, experimentation, and regional identity.

The inclusion of films from Assam, Manipur, and Sikkim at IFFI 2025 reflects the growing prominence of the Northeast as a cinematic powerhouse. With stories rooted in culture, resilience, and human emotion, the region continues to redefine the contours of Indian filmmaking — asserting that powerful narratives often emerge from the country’s most diverse corners.

Events in Goa

Countdown to IFFI 2025 Begins: 56th Edition Promises 240+ Films, Global Premieres & Creative Innovation

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo, Team Allycaral

The countdown to the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) officially began with a curtain-raiser event held in New Delhi, setting the stage for what promises to be one of the most vibrant editions yet. The festival, to be held in Goa from November 20 to 28, 2025, will feature over 240 films from 81 countries, including 13 world premieres, 5 international premieres, and 44 Asian premieres. With a record 2,314 submissions from 127 countries, IFFI continues to strengthen its place on the global festival map as a platform celebrating cinematic excellence and innovation.

Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Dr. L. Murugan, announced that this year’s festival will focus on inclusivity, innovation, and emerging talent. More than 50 women directors will have their films showcased, reflecting the government’s commitment to promoting Nari Shakti in cinema. The festival will also continue its OTT awards, recognizing outstanding achievements in streaming content, while introducing measures to simplify film certification and strengthen anti-piracy laws. The Ministry’s new “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” film certification will encourage multi-language productions, reinforcing cultural unity.

IFFI 2025 will feature Japan as the Country of Focus, with Spain and Australia joining as Partner and Spotlight countries respectively. The lineup will include over 80 award-winning festival titles and 21 official Oscar-nominated films. The Opening Film, The Blue Trail by Brazilian auteur Gabriel Mascaro, will set the tone for the festival with its poetic exploration of freedom and resilience. Among other highlights, the Gala Premieres segment will host 18 films, featuring red-carpet events and world-class talent.

The festival will also pay centenary tributes to Indian cinema legends Guru Dutt, Raj Khosla, Ritwik Ghatak, P. Bhanumathi, Bhupen Hazarika, and Salil Chowdhury, showcasing some of their most iconic works. Superstar Rajinikanth will be felicitated at the closing ceremony, marking his 50 years in cinema. The Indian Panorama section will feature 25 feature films, 20 non-feature films, and 5 debut features, with Amaran (Tamil) opening the Feature category.

The Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT) initiative continues to grow, with 124 selected participants competing in a 48-hour filmmaking challenge in collaboration with ShortsTV. The 19th edition of the WAVES Film Bazaar will offer over 300 projects for co-production, financing, and global collaborations. With a focus on technology, the Tech Pavilion will showcase innovations in AI, VFX, CGI, and animation.

Masterclasses and panels will bring together cinematic icons including Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Aamir Khan, Anupam Kher, Ravi Varman, and Sreekar Prasad, offering insights into evolving storytelling, acting, and technology. The international jury, chaired by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, includes distinguished members from Australia, England, Germany, and Sri Lanka.

Accessibility remains a key focus, with multilingual dubbing, sign language interpretation, and audio description across all major venues in Panjim, Porvorim, and Madgaon. Open-air screenings at Miramar and Anjuna beaches will continue to celebrate cinema under the stars.

Festival Director Shekhar Kapur emphasized that India, as the world’s largest film-making and film-watching nation, is uniquely positioned to lead global storytelling. He described the Film Bazaar as a movement empowering young creators through technology and collaboration, while viewing Artificial Intelligence as a creative ally for storytellers.

With its powerful mix of global cinema, technology-driven experiences, and cultural celebration, IFFI 2025 reaffirms India’s place at the crossroads of creativity, collaboration, and cinematic excellence.