Tag: Goan cinema

Entertainment

IFFI 2025 Unveils Goan Films Lineup & Cultural Celebrations for Its 56th Edition

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The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will be held from 20th to 28th November 2025, bringing together cinema lovers, filmmakers, and cultural performers from across India and the world. As part of its commitment to promoting Goan talent, the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) has announced the selection of Goan films in the special Goan Director’s Cut and Goan Producer’s Cut sections.

This year, ESG received 17 entries across Feature and Non-Feature segments, out of which 5 films have been selected by the esteemed jury.

Jury Members

ESG expressed gratitude to the respected jury:

  • P. Sheshadri – Chairman of Jury
  • Priya Krishnaswamy – Jury Member
  • Rajeev Bhatia – Jury Member

The panel, comprising noted professionals from the Indian film industry, evaluated the entries with expertise and dedication.

Selected Films

Goan Director’s Cut

  1. ZERO BULB – Directed by Soham Prasad Bhende (Non-Feature, Premiere)
  2. HALAD – Directed by Sobita Kudtarkar (Non-Feature, Premiere)
  3. MY DAD INVENTED THE VADAPAV – ASHOK VAIDYA AND SONS – Directed by Sainath Uskaikar (Non-Feature, Non-Premiere)

Goan Producer’s Cut

  1. MERAKI, BY THE SEA – Produced by Dr. Gwendolynn De Ornelas (Non-Feature, Premiere)
  2. GHAR – Produced by Sahit Studios LLP (Non-Feature, Premiere)

ESG congratulated all directors, producers, cast, crew, and contributors whose films have been selected for the prestigious IFFI screenings.

Inside IFFI 2025: What’s New This Year

Open-Air Screenings

Films will be screened at:

  • Miramar Beach
  • Ravindra Bhavan, Fatorda
  • Vagator Beach Parking (Helipad)

IFFI Mile

A lively stretch from ESG to Kala Academy featuring stalls, installations, and public-engagement activities.

Grand IFFI Float Parade – 20 November 2025

Replacing the traditional opening ceremony, the Float Parade will begin at Old GMC Building at 3:30 PM and proceed to Kala Academy, celebrating:
“Indian Cinema, India on Global Platform and the Future of Cinema.”

Segment 1 – Goan Cultural Floats

12 Goan groups participate.
Prizes:

  • 1st – ₹3,50,000
  • 2nd – ₹3,00,000
  • 3rd – ₹2,50,000
  • 4th – ₹2,00,000
  • 5th – ₹1,50,000
  • 5 Consolation – ₹1,00,000 each
  • All non-winners receive ₹30,000 remuneration.

Segment 2 – Promotional Floats

Featuring production houses, media platforms, and creative collectives.
Prizes:

  • 1st – ₹2,50,000
  • 2nd – ₹2,00,000
  • 3rd – ₹1,50,000
  • 4th – ₹1,25,000
  • 5th – ₹1,00,000
  • Non-winners receive ₹30,000 remuneration.

Romtamel Competition (21–25 November)

Showcasing Goa’s traditional Romtamel art form with 10 leading performance groups.

Prizes:

  • 1st – ₹3,00,000
  • 2nd – ₹2,50,000
  • 3rd – ₹2,00,000
  • 4th – ₹1,75,000
  • 5th – ₹1,50,000
  • 5 Consolation – ₹1,00,000 each

Transport Facilities for Delegates

Free services include:

  • Rickshaws, pool cars, and KTC electric buses (8:30 AM till last screening)
  • Bus Routes:
  1. Miramar Circle ↔ INOX Porvorim
  2. Miramar Circle ↔ Magic Moviez, Ponda
  3. Miramar ↔ Ravindra Bhavan, Margao

IFFI 2025 promises a grand cinematic and cultural celebration that blends Goan creativity with India’s vibrant film heritage.

Films

Goan Documentary “Bhaangar Kalakusar Karigiri” Wins Big at Miseentage Indian Film Awards 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

In a proud and historic moment for Goan cinema, the Konkani-language documentary “Bhaangar Kalakusar Karigiri” has been awarded Best Documentary at the Miseentage Indian Film Awards 2025. Directed and shot by Prachi Shirodkar, a debutant filmmaker from Porvorim, Goa, the film captures the essence of Goa’s traditional goldsmith artistry and craftsmanship.

The 10-minute short film, edited by Mario Pimenta, focuses on the nuanced legacy of local artisans including Pranay Shirodkar, Virendra Rivankar, and Rashila Shirodkar, whose dedication to preserving Goa’s intricate gold-making traditions is both poetic and inspiring. The film blends visual storytelling with authentic oral histories, all conveyed through the rhythmic flow of the Konkani language.

“Receiving this recognition at a national platform is not just a personal milestone,” said director Prachi Shirodkar, “It’s a tribute to the unsung heroes of Goan craftsmanship whose stories are finally being heard.”

The Miseentage Indian Film Awards, organized by Film Fest Maniac, aim to provide a digital stage for India’s emerging filmmakers whose unique narratives deserve national attention. This year’s edition saw an impressive range of submissions, but “Bhaangar Kalakusar Karigiri” stood out for its cultural depth, artistic cinematography, and powerful message.

The award also coincides with the 75th anniversary of Goan cinema, making this win even more symbolic. It signifies not just a personal victory for the creators, but a collective step forward for Goa’s representation in India’s diverse cinematic landscape.

With this recognition, Bhaangar Kalakusar Karigiri joins the ranks of impactful regional films that are redefining Indian documentary storytelling — one frame at a time.

Events in Goa

Madganvcho Awaaz to Commemorate K. Vaikunth’s Birth Centenary in Margao

Tanisha Cardozo

Margao, Goa: In a heartfelt tribute to one of Goa’s cinematic greats, Madganvcho Awaaz will commemorate the birth centenary of K. Vaikunth, acclaimed cinematographer and pioneer of Indian cinema, on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 4:30 PM, Imperial Hall, MCC Club, Margao.

K. Vaikunth, known for his visual mastery and artistic storytelling, is celebrated as one of Goa’s earliest and most influential figures in Indian cinema. His work not only brought national recognition to Margao but also paved the way for generations of Goan filmmakers and cinematographers.

The event will mark the culmination of the centenary year celebrations, with the Kunkalienkar family—his descendants—joining prominent members of Goa’s film fraternity to honour his extraordinary contributions.

Youth leader Prabhav Naik, speaking on behalf of Madganvcho Awaaz, shared that the programme is more than a tribute—it is a call to the youth to embrace creativity, culture, and ambition. “Through his artistic lens and unique vision, K. Vaikunth left an indelible imprint on Indian cinema,” Naik said. “His journey from Margao to the national stage reminds us that Goans have always had the potential to lead and inspire.”

Naik also emphasised the organisation’s deep pride in hosting this centenary event, reflecting on K. Vaikunth’s legacy as a significant chapter in Goa’s cultural heritage.

The event is open to all, with an open invitation extended to film lovers, youth, and cultural enthusiasts to participate in this meaningful celebration.

📍 Event Details:
Date: Monday, August 25, 2025
Time: 4:30 PM
Venue: Imperial Hall, MCC Club, Rajendra Prasad Ground, Margao

Events in Goa

Curtains Close on the 10th–12th Goa State Film Festival with Star-Studded Ceremony at Kala Academy

Tanisha Cardozo

The vibrant world of Goan and Indian cinema came alive at the closing ceremony of the 10th, 11th, and 12th editions of the Goa State Film Festival, held at Kala Academy, Panaji, on 17th August 2025.

Graced by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa Dr. Pramod Sawant, and key dignitaries including Smt. Delilah M Lobo, Shri. Damu Naik, Shri. Ashwin Chandru, IAS, and Shri. Dipak Bandekar, the event marked a proud moment for the state’s film fraternity.

Smt. Delilah M Lobo welcomed guests and set the tone for a night dedicated to artistic excellence and cultural heritage.

🎖 Honoring Legends

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to the versatile and beloved Goan actress Smt. Varsha Usgaonkar—an icon of Konkani, Marathi, and Hindi cinema.
The Recognition of Goan Film Legacy was posthumously conferred on Late Baba Naik for his significant contribution to Goan cinema.

🏆 Award Highlights

10th Edition (2018–2019)

  • Best Feature Film: Juze (14 awards)

11th Edition (2020–2021)

  • Best Film: Ransaavat (7 awards)
  • Best Non-feature Film: Kupamcho Daryeo (5 awards)

12th Edition (2022–2023)

  • Best Feature Film: Mog (8 awards)
  • Best Non-feature Film: Gathan (3 awards)

🎬 48 Hours Short Film Competition

  • Best Film (1st Prize): Ful ani Savli (Flower and Shade)
  • Best Film (2nd Prize): Before Sunrise
  • Best Director: Glen Cardozo (Ful ani Savli)
  • Best Cinematographer: Tejas V. Naik
  • Best Editor: Yuri B. Carvalho
  • Best Actor (Male): Niraj Arrie (Lift)
  • Best Actor (Female): Rati Bhatikar (Ful ani Savli)

Awards were handed over by Dr. Pramod Sawant and esteemed guests including jury chairpersons Shri. Gajendra Ahire (Feature Films) and Shri. Asim Sinha (Non-feature Films).

🎤 Cultural Performances

The night was enriched by mesmerizing performances from:

  • Goan Fado singer Sonia Sirsat
  • Renowned composer-singer Ajit Parab
  • Comedy act by Bharat & More (Chala Hawa Yeu Dya fame)
  • Dance performance by Vardhan & Group

🙏 Closing Remarks

The vote of thanks was delivered by Shri. Dipak Bandekar, Director of the Department of Information & Publicity.

The festival witnessed an overwhelming response from filmmakers, artists, and cinema lovers across Goa, reaffirming the state’s growing influence in regional and national cinema.

Entertainment

GOA STATE FILM FESTIVAL FROM 14TH AUGUST, THEMED ON 75 YEARS OF GOAN CINEMA

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Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant today announced that Goa State Film Festival themed on 75 Years of Goan Cinema, will be held from August 14 to 17, 2025.

Vice-Chairperson of Entertainment Society of Goa, Delilah Lobo, CEO of ESG Asvin Chandru, IAS, General Body Member of ESG, Sharmad Raiturkar were also present at the press conference.

The four-day festival comprises 10th, 11th and 12th editions of Goa State Film Festival and will be organised in association with Department of Information and Publicity.

The 10th edition will showcase the films made from 1st January 2018 to 31st Dec 2019. The 11th edition will pertain to 1st January 2020 to 31st December 2021 films, while the 12th edition will have the films made from 1st January 2022 to 31st December 2023.

The inaugural ceremony will be held on 14th August 2025 and closing ceremony will be on 17th August 2025.

The movie screenings will take place in Maquinez Palace theatre and Inox, Panaji. Various workshops, In-Conversation sessions, Market Interactions, Knowledge series and Information segments will be the part of this festival.

The festival, which will showcase Goan regional language movies in Konkani and Marathi languages, will be screening in 2 categories – •Feature Films will have two sections – Konkani and Marathi separately
•Non-Feature films will have a combined section for Konkani and Marathi languages.

The feature film should have minimum running time of 70 minutes while non-feature films should have a minimum running time of 5 minutes and maximum time of less than 70 minutes. Films of which a minimum of 15% on screen artist and 15% main technicians must be of Goan origin or having at least 15 years domicile in the State of Goa (further details are available on http://www.esg.co.in). All films should have Censor Certificate and with subtitles in English.

Submission of films for the competition section of Goa State Film Festival, will start from 17th June 2025 and the last date of submission of the forms is 7th July 2025.

Awards in the Feature Films section:

  1. Best Film First Prize Rs. 500000
    Second Prize Rs. 300000
  2. Best Direction First Prize Rs. 50000
    Second Prize Rs. 35000
  3. Best Actor Rs. 25000
  4. Best Actress Rs. 25000
  5. Best Sup. Actor Rs. 25000
  6. Best Sup. Actress Rs. 25000
  7. Best Child Artiste Rs. 25000
  8. Best Story Rs. 25000
  9. Best Screenplay Rs. 25000
  10. Best Dialogues Rs. 25000
  11. Best Lyrics Rs. 25000
  12. Best Music Director Rs. 25000
  13. Best Playback Singer (male) Rs. 25000
  14. Best Playback Singer (female) Rs. 25000
  15. Best Cinematography Rs. 25000
  16. Best Editor Rs. 25000
  17. Best Audiography Rs. 25000
  18. Best Art Director Rs. 25000
  19. Best Costume Designer Rs. 25000

Awards in the Non-Feature Films section:

1.Best Non-Feature Film (Two awards as under)
Fiction Rs. 100000
Non-Fiction Rs. 100000

Other awards for Non-Feature Films:

  1. Best Cinematography Rs. 25000
  2. Best Audiography Rs. 25000
  3. Best Editing Rs. 25000
  4. Best Music Direction Rs. 25000
  5. Best Theme Rs. 20000

Meanwhile, there is new feature that is set to delight the aspiring filmmakers and enthusiasts at the upcoming film festival. ESG has mooted a short film-making competition during pre-festival period.

The topic for the film will be given during festival and the movie-makers will have to submit their films in 48 hours after the topic is announced. Selected films will also be screened during the festival.

Awards for Short film competition:
Best Film – First place Rs 25000 & 2nd place Rs 20000
Best Cinematographer – Rs. 15000
Best Editor – Rs. 15000
Best Director – Rs 15000
Best Actor (Male) – Rs 15000
Best Actor (female) – Rs 15000

For more information pertaining to the festival, visit http://www.esg.co.in