Tag: GoanCinema

Films

Goan Short Film Fools Fun Furrr Wins 9 Major Awards at World Cinema International Film Festival 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Goan independent cinema achieved a remarkable milestone as the short film Fools Fun Furrr created a strong impact at the World Cinema International Film Festival 2026, winning an impressive nine major awards. Directed by Ahmed Shaikh, the film stood out among global entries for its honest storytelling, artistic strength, and social relevance.

At the festival, Fools Fun Furrr received honours for Best Independent Film, Best Hindi Film, Best Art Direction, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Dialogue Writer, Best Screenplay (Drama), Best Experimental Film, and Best Women-Centric Film, marking a significant achievement for a Goan short film on an international platform.

Produced by Aanin Shaikh, the film sensitively explores caste-based judgment among college students, presenting the subject with realism and emotional depth. Rather than sensationalising the issue, the narrative focuses on everyday interactions, internal conflicts, and social conditioning, allowing audiences to reflect on deeply rooted prejudices that continue to exist in modern educational spaces.

The film features performances by Ahmed Shaikh, Tasneem Mogre, Prajwal Pednekar, Mithil Morajkar, Tushar Bacchu, and Soniya Naik, each contributing to the film’s grounded and authentic portrayal of its characters. The ensemble cast was widely appreciated for bringing nuance and sincerity to a challenging subject.

The success of Fools Fun Furrr highlights the growing strength of Goan independent cinema and its ability to tell socially conscious stories that resonate beyond regional boundaries. With this international recognition, the film not only celebrates artistic achievement but also reinforces the importance of meaningful cinema as a tool for dialogue and change.

Films

MERAKI, BY THE SEA gets Official Selection at 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) Goa 2025

allycaralgoa

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.

EduConnect

Award-Winning Goan Student Film “The Awakening” to Premiere on YouTube on November 13

Tanisha Cardozo

The award-winning Goan short film The Awakening, directed by Rameez Shaikh and created by a passionate group of Goan students, is gearing up for its YouTube premiere on November 13, 2025, exclusively on the channel “Crafted Takes.” After captivating audiences across film festivals, this student-led project is now ready to connect with a wider audience online.

Winner of the South Asian Regional Award at the Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival, The Awakening has been widely celebrated for its creative storytelling and deep environmental consciousness. The film’s narrative reflects the urgency of ecological preservation and the human connection to nature, told through a blend of strong visual imagery and emotional depth.

The film was officially selected for the Waves International Short Film Festival in Goa and the Urban Adda Film Festival, in addition to being showcased at the Mangrove Festival, where its environmental message resonated profoundly with audiences. Each screening added to the growing recognition of the film’s ability to inspire reflection and dialogue on sustainability and the responsibility shared by all towards the planet.

Director Rameez Shaikh, who led the young creative team behind the project, expressed that The Awakening was conceived not merely as a film but as a movement of awareness — a call to action through art. The success of the film on the festival circuit is a testament to the strength of Goa’s emerging generation of storytellers, who are blending creativity, purpose, and social responsibility.

As The Awakening arrives on YouTube this November, viewers across the globe will have the opportunity to experience a film that proves cinema, no matter how small in scale, can leave a lasting impact when driven by vision and sincerity.

Events in Goa

Last Call! Submit Your Film for the Special Goan Section at #IFFI2025 Today!

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

The countdown ends today! October 30, 2025, marks the final day to submit your film for the Special Goan Section at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025, taking place in Goa. This exclusive section celebrates Goan filmmakers and the vibrant stories born from the state’s rich culture and cinematic spirit.

IFFI, organized by the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) and the Government of India, remains one of the most prestigious platforms for filmmakers across the world. The Special Goan Section is dedicated to showcasing local talent and promoting films that capture Goa’s unique identity — from its scenic beauty and cultural diversity to its evolving creative voice.

This opportunity allows filmmakers to present their work to an international audience of directors, producers, and cinephiles who gather each year to celebrate cinema in all its forms. Selected films often gain significant exposure and open doors to new collaborations and festival circuits.

If you’re a Goan filmmaker or have created a film with a Goan connection, this is your moment to step into the spotlight. Submit your entry today and become part of India’s most anticipated film festival. Your story deserves to be seen, shared, and celebrated. Don’t wait — the curtain rises soon.

Films

Goa State Film Festival 2025: 48 Hours Short Film Making Competition

allycaralgoa


Written by Sandeep Bala Kerkar | Team Allycaral

Panaji | July 19, 2025 : This August, Goa transforms into a cinematic haven with the return of the Goa State Film Festival 2025, hosting the 10th, 11th, and 12th editions over four vibrant days — 14th to 17th August 2025.

Organized by the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), the festival promises a celebration of storytelling, filmmaking, and community. With diverse screenings, industry discussions, and awards, the event brings together creators, audiences, and visionaries from across the state and beyond.

🎥 48 Hours Short Film Making Competition:

A standout feature this year is the “48 Hours Short Film Making Competition”, a dynamic challenge encouraging aspiring filmmakers to produce a short film within just two days.

🗓️ Key Dates:

  • Topic Announcement: 2nd August 2025 at 10:00 AM
  • Submission Deadline: 4th August 2025 at 10:00 AM

📍 No Registration Fee
📝 Registrations Open: 19th July | Close: 28th July at 5:00 PM
📌 Submit completed forms at the ESG Office
🔗 Visit www.esg.co.in for full details

🏆 Competition Awards:

  • Best Film: ₹25,000 (First), ₹25,000 (Second)
  • Best Director: ₹15,000
  • Best Cinematographer: ₹15,000
  • Best Editor: ₹15,000
  • Best Actor (Male): ₹15,000
  • Best Actor (Female): ₹15,000

The objective of the competition is to:
✅ Foster storytelling using minimal resources
✅ Showcase Goan filmmaking excellence
✅ Build a community of emerging creators
✅ Encourage collaboration and innovation in visual arts

🌟 Delegate & Media Registration Now Open

Register as a Delegate, Media Representative, or part of the Goan Film Fraternity to attend screenings, workshops, and future ESG programs.

🎟 For delegate registration and updates, visit www.esg.co.in

Come, be part of Goa’s cinematic revolution — where every frame tells a story and every voice finds its screen.

Follow @Allycaralgoa for live updates, filmmaker features, and behind-the-scenes stories from GSFF 2025.