Tag: Goan cinema

Films

Goan Documentary Bhaangar Kalakusar Karigiri Named Quarterfinalist at FLAME FirstCut Film Festival

Tanisha Cardozo

The Goan documentary Bhaangar Kalakusar Karigiri, directed by Prachi Shirodkar, has been named a quarterfinalist in the Non-Fiction category at the prestigious FLAME FirstCut Film Festival, hosted by FLAME University, Pune. The recognition marks a proud moment not only for the filmmaker but also for Goan documentary cinema.

FirstCut, regarded as India’s largest international student-run film festival, serves as a vibrant platform for emerging filmmakers across the globe. This year, the festival received over 600 entries from students representing more than 70 countries, making the competition particularly intense. The festival featured four categories—Fiction, Non-Fiction, Animation, and Nano—with the Non-Fiction jury comprising distinguished industry professionals including Nandan Saxena, Kavita Bahl, Jaya Bhattacharya, and Dhanashree Mehta Goel.

Directed, narrated, and shot by Prachi Shirodkar, Bhaangar Kalakusar Karigiri was edited by Mario Pimenta and developed as a college project at Don Bosco College, Panjim, under the guidance of Agnelo Raymond D’Souza. What began as an academic project has now grown into a documentary gaining recognition on national and international platforms.

The film offers an intimate look into the lives and craftsmanship of Goan artisans working in the gold industry. Through interviews with goldsmiths Virendra Rivankar, Rashila Shirodkar, and Pranay Shirodkar, the documentary captures the intricate artistry, discipline, and generational knowledge that define their work. It sheds light on a community of skilled craftsmen whose stories often remain untold despite their contribution to Goa’s cultural and economic fabric.

Beyond its festival recognition at FLAME FirstCut, the documentary has also been selected at multiple national and international film festivals and featured in The Film Catalogue of Jyoti Filmato, organised by the Centre for Media Studies at Jyoti Nivas Autonomous College. These selections further strengthen the film’s growing presence in the documentary circuit.

Significantly, Bhaangar Kalakusar Karigiri stands out as a powerful example of women-led filmmaking in Goa, particularly in the documentary genre where female directors remain underrepresented. Prachi Shirodkar’s achievement reflects not only a personal milestone but also a broader shift towards inclusivity and diversity within Goan cinema.

The film’s success reinforces the importance of documenting local stories and preserving traditional knowledge through cinema. By spotlighting Goan artisans and their craft, the documentary amplifies voices that deserve wider recognition while highlighting the rising presence of women behind the camera shaping meaningful and socially relevant narratives.

Films

Goan Short Film Rishi Wins Eight Awards at International Parallel Cinema Film Awards

Tanisha Cardozo

The Goan short film Rishi has achieved a significant international milestone by winning eight awards at the International Parallel Cinema Film Awards organised by The Festival Stage. The film was selected from an impressive pool of over 7,879 entries from across the world, standing out for its powerful narrative, strong performances and refined technical execution.

Directed jointly by Anlisa Rodrigues and Mario Pimenta, Rishi won the awards for Best Short Film and Best Story, while both directors were honoured with the Best Director award. Mario Pimenta also received the award for Best Editing, and Anlisa Rodrigues was recognised for Best Cinematography, highlighting the film’s strong visual language and cohesive storytelling.

Cyrus Fernandes earned accolades for Best Producer and Best Actor (Male) for his impactful performance, while 20-year-old Roshni Maurya won Best Actor (Female), becoming the youngest Goan woman to receive an international acting award. Sneha Fernandes contributed as the voiceover artist, adding emotional depth and resonance to the film’s narrative.

The multiple wins mark a proud moment for Goan cinema and underline the growing global recognition of independent and parallel filmmaking from the region. Rishi’s success reflects the creative strength, collaborative spirit and storytelling depth emerging from Goa’s film community, reinforcing its place on the international cinematic map.

Films

Goan Film The Awakening Selected for Mitee Environment Short Film & Documentary Festival 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Rency Gomes, Team Allycaral

Goan short film The Awakening, directed by young filmmaker Rameez Shaikh, has been officially selected for screening at the 5th Mitee Environment Short Film and Documentary Festival. The film will be screened on January 11, 2026, at the Lady Ramabai Auditorium, S.P. College, Pune. Scheduled from January 9 to 11, the festival will present over 40 environment-focused short films and documentaries from across the world, with The Awakening standing out as the sole Goan film featured this year.

Organised by the Mitee Film Society, the festival has grown into an important platform for young and emerging filmmakers, particularly those addressing social and environmental issues. Now in its fifth edition, the festival continues its mission of nurturing youth voices and showcasing cinema that informs, inspires, and provokes meaningful dialogue among audiences.

The Awakening stars Rameez Shaikh, Siya Chodankar, and Cyrus Fernandes in lead roles. The screenplay and cinematography were handled by Numair Khan, who also co-wrote the story along with Rameez Shaikh and Sharvi Dhond. Editing was done by Varun Kashyap, with technical support from Boskon Studio. The film’s background score was composed by Cyrus Fernandes, while production was managed by Sharvi Dhond and Ebenezer Rajamanickam.

Director Rameez Shaikh, a 21-year-old Gen Z filmmaker from Goa, is a Mass Communication graduate from Don Bosco College, Panjim. In addition to filmmaking, he is a digital creator who has won several local and national-level reel competitions alongside his brothers Ismail Shaikh and Aarif Shaikh.

The film centres on a conversation between two friends contemplating a dying planet, gradually realising that meaningful change begins with shifting mindsets and embracing environmental responsibility. Set against the backdrop of a decaying city, the narrative highlights how apathy has become one of the greatest contributors to environmental degradation, while stressing the power of collective action by ordinary people.

Through its reflective storytelling, The Awakening urges viewers to confront indifference and recognise their individual and collective responsibility towards the planet. The film envisions a future shaped by conscious choices, empathy for the environment, and a shared commitment to safeguarding the world for generations to come.

Films

Smoke and Mirrors Wins Best Student Short Film at Goa International Film Competition

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Smoke and Mirrors, a Goan psychological thriller directed by Rameez Shaikh, has won the Best Student Short Film award at the prestigious Goa International Film Competition, marking a significant milestone for student cinema from the state. The recognition highlights not only the film’s compelling narrative but also the growing confidence and creative ambition of young filmmakers emerging from Goa.

The film follows the unsettling journey of Maya, a young woman who begins to experience Capgras Syndrome, a rare psychological condition that causes her to believe that people close to her have been replaced by impostors. As Maya struggles to understand her increasingly fractured perception of reality, the line between truth and illusion gradually dissolves. The story builds toward a shocking and unexpected turn, offering a chilling exploration of the human mind and its capacity for self-deception.

Central to the film’s impact are its powerful performances. Prachi Shirodkar delivers a layered and emotionally intense portrayal of Maya, capturing her vulnerability, confusion, and inner turmoil with striking authenticity. Varun Thanki, who plays David, Maya’s husband, brings depth to a role defined by emotional conflict, balancing support with growing uncertainty. Chinmaya Damodlekar, as Dr. Jay, adds subtle nuance to the narrative, further strengthening the film’s psychological tension.

Behind the camera, Smoke and Mirrors is equally notable for the dedication of its crew. Director Rameez Shaikh took on multiple responsibilities, serving as writer, storyteller, cinematographer, and production manager, overseeing nearly every creative aspect of the project. Varun Kashyap contributed significantly as editor and sound designer, while also supporting the production as a spot boy, adding technical precision and on-set efficiency to the film.

Sharvi Dhond played a key role in shaping the film’s story alongside Rameez Shaikh and also handled costume design and makeup, ensuring visual continuity and character authenticity. Poonam Bind managed audio and data coordination, contributing to the smooth execution of the production. Ebenezer Rajamanickam assisted with lighting and camera work, while Craig Rodrigues supported the team as a spot boy, helping maintain a seamless workflow on set.

Smoke and Mirrors was created as a final-year short film for the B.A. Mass Communication course at Don Bosco College, Panjim, under the guidance of Ardra Naik. The film’s success at the Goa International Film Competition stands as a testament to the strength of academic mentorship combined with student-driven creativity.

This recognition not only celebrates the achievement of Rameez Shaikh and his team but also underscores the rising presence of student-led films within the broader Indian film landscape. With its compelling concept, strong performances, and committed crew, Smoke and Mirrors emerges as a remarkable example of the future of Goan cinema.

Events in Goa

Dr. Pramod Sawant Inaugurated the Goa Section at the 56th International Film Festival of India

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Dr. Pramod Sawant inaugurated the Goa Section at the 56th International Film Festival of India, marking a significant moment for Goan cinema and its growing presence on national and international platforms. The ceremony was followed by the screening of the Konkani film Halad, directed by Sobita Kudtadkar, which opened the Goa Section this year.

Dr. Sawant expressed pride in the resilience and passion of Goan filmmakers, acknowledging their dedication to preserving the region’s storytelling heritage despite numerous challenges. He highlighted that Goan cinema has always been driven by creativity, cultural pride and a commitment to authentic narratives.

This year’s edition of IFFI features two Goan films—Claudia and The Pilot—in the prestigious Gala Premiere Section, a testament to the growing strength of the local film industry. Additionally, five films were selected for the Goa Section: Zero Bulb, Halad, My Dad Invented the Vadapav, Meraki, By the Sea and Ghar.

Dr. Sawant extended his best wishes to all the filmmakers whose works are being showcased, emphasizing that their achievements continue to inspire future generations of Goan storytellers. The inauguration reflected both celebration and hope, positioning Goan cinema to shine even more brightly on the global stage.