Tag: movies

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.

Social

Jeet Adani Marks First Anniversary by Funding FDs for 500 Divyang Women

Tanisha Cardozo

Jeet and Diva Adani marked their first wedding anniversary by completing one year of Adani Mangal Seva, a social security initiative designed to support divyang women with long-term financial stability and dignity. The milestone was observed at the Belvedere Club lawns in Shantigram, Ahmedabad, where beneficiaries, their families, and representatives of the Adani Foundation gathered to reflect on the programme’s progress.

Launched ahead of the couple’s wedding on February 7, 2025, Adani Mangal Seva was envisioned as a way to transform a personal celebration into a sustained social commitment. Instead of marking the occasion with symbolic gestures, the initiative was structured to deliver tangible, long-term benefits to women with disabilities.

In its first year, the programme supported 500 divyang women, each receiving a fixed deposit of ₹10 lakh. Created in partnership with the State Bank of India, these deposits are designed to provide an assured monthly income, while the principal amount becomes accessible after ten years. The structure aims to ensure both immediate support and long-term financial security.

Anchored by the Adani Foundation, the social welfare arm of the Adani Group, the initiative focuses on women between the ages of 25 and 40. Beneficiaries are identified in collaboration with project partner Youth for Jobs and must hold a valid Unique Disability ID card. The programme is set to continue for at least five years, supporting up to 500 women annually, with an allocation of ₹50 crore each year.

According to the Foundation, the initiative reflects the philosophy of Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani, who believes that service should be continuous, purposeful, and responsibility-driven rather than symbolic.

The anniversary event included the distribution of fixed deposit certificates to beneficiaries, along with cultural performances by the Blind People’s Association of Ahmedabad. The programme featured a Garba presentation and a fusion music performance, creating an atmosphere of celebration and inclusion. The evening began with prayer and reflection, followed by presentations outlining the initiative’s objectives and impact.

In a message on social media platform X, Gautam Adani extended his blessings to the couple and reflected on the impact of the initiative. He noted that Adani Mangal Seva has brought financial security, dignity, and renewed hope to many families, adding that the satisfaction of restoring confidence and smiles in people’s lives goes beyond material success.

Dr Priti Adani, Chairperson of the Adani Foundation, said the initiative was inspired by the belief that personal happiness finds its highest meaning when shared for collective well-being. She described Adani Mangal Seva as more than a programme, calling it an expression of faith in the strength, resilience, and dignity of women with disabilities.

Addressing the gathering, Jeet Adani described the initiative as a quiet but enduring form of support, representing a responsibility the family intends to carry forward. Diva Adani added that the programme is built on the belief that financial security should be lasting and dignity should never depend on circumstances.

During the event, Gautam Adani also released a book documenting stories of transformation under Adani Mangal Seva. The evening concluded with a community dinner, reflecting the inclusive spirit at the heart of the initiative.

As Adani Mangal Seva completes its first year, it stands as an example of how personal milestones can be transformed into sustained social commitments, reinforcing the Adani Foundation’s belief that prosperity and service go hand in hand.

Music

The Rose Korean Rock Band Documentary Set for Worldwide Theatrical Release

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Rose: Come Back to Me, a documentary chronicling the journey of South Korean indie rock band The Rose, is set to receive a worldwide theatrical release after CJ 4DPLEX acquired global distribution rights to the film. The announcement comes as the documentary continues to gain international attention following its successful festival run.

Directed by Eugene Yi, the film traces The Rose’s rise from performing in Seoul’s Hongdae district to playing some of the world’s biggest music stages, including Coachella. Blending immersive live performances with behind-the-scenes footage and candid interviews, the documentary offers an intimate look into the band’s creative process, personal struggles and enduring friendship.

The Rose, comprising Kim “Sammy” WooSung, Park “Leo” Dojoon, Lee “Dylan” Hajoon and Lee “Jeff” Taegyeom, is known for its emotionally driven sound and global fanbase. The documentary highlights the band’s hands-on involvement in every aspect of their music, from songwriting and rehearsals to stage production and touring, underscoring their commitment to authenticity and artistic control.

Following its premiere at the Tribeca Festival, where it won an Audience Prize and sold out multiple screenings, the film also played to packed houses at its international premiere at the Busan International Film Festival. The strong audience response has positioned the documentary as both a music film and a coming-of-age story that resonates beyond genre or geography.

CJ 4DPLEX plans a global theatrical rollout beginning in 2026, with simultaneous releases across multiple international markets and additional territories to follow. The Valentine’s Day launch is expected to offer fans worldwide a shared cinematic experience celebrating the band’s journey, resilience and message of healing through music.

With its worldwide theatrical release, The Rose: Come Back to Me further cements The Rose’s place in the global music landscape, bringing their story from the concert stage to the big screen for audiences around the world.

Entertainment

Vindaloo Launches Dedicated OTT Platform to Take Konkani Cinema and Culture to the World

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Vindaloo Entertainment Private Limited has launched Vindaloo, a first-of-its-kind OTT platform dedicated entirely to Konkani cinema, Tiatr and Goan cultural storytelling, marking a major milestone for the preservation and global promotion of Konkani heritage.

For decades, Konkani artists and filmmakers have struggled to find a structured digital space to showcase their work and reach wider audiences. Vindaloo aims to bridge this gap by creating a dedicated ecosystem where Goan stories, music, theatre and cinema can thrive while remaining accessible to viewers across the world. With a clear mission to preserve culture and empower creative talent, the platform brings together entertainment, education and cultural archiving in one digital home.

“Our vision is to create a platform that not only showcases the richness and diversity of Konkani entertainment but also provides a voice to the talented artists and filmmakers who have been contributing to the industry for years. We want to take Konkani culture to the world and bring the world to Konkani culture, fostering a sense of community and appreciation among audiences globally,” said Nikhil Desai, Co-founder of Vindaloo.

Siddhant Shetty, Co-founder of Vindaloo, added that Konkani culture is a treasure trove of stories, music and art that deserves global recognition. “We are committed to preserving and promoting it for generations to come. With Vindaloo, we are creating a digital archive of Konkani content that will not only entertain but also educate and enlighten audiences about the rich heritage of Goa and the Konkani diaspora.”

Vindaloo offers a diverse library that includes 20 Konkani feature films by Goan filmmakers, digitised Tiatr performances, and exclusive content from nationally and internationally award-winning directors and actors. With over 30 Konkani titles lined up for release over the next two months, the platform is set to become the go-to destination for Konkani entertainment.

Available on both Android and iOS devices, Vindaloo allows viewers to enjoy their favourite Konkani content anytime, anywhere. Its pay-per-view model enables filmmakers to monetise their work, creating new revenue streams while strengthening the local creative economy.

With global availability across India, UAE, UK, USA, Canada and Australia, Vindaloo connects Goa with the worldwide Konkani diaspora, strengthening cultural bonds and ensuring that Goan stories continue to inspire audiences across generations and borders.

Films

Bhaangar: Kalakusar Karigiri to Represent Goan Culture at International Folklore Film Festival, Kerala

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Goan documentary Bhaangar: Kalakusar Karigiri, directed by Prachi Shirodkar, has been officially selected for screening at the 9th edition of the International Folklore Film Festival (IFFF), Kerala. The festival will be held from January 15 to 22, 2026, across five venues in the state, bringing together folklore-focused films and documentaries from around the world.

Among 659 national and international short films submitted, Bhaangar: Kalakusar Karigiri stands out as one of only two Goan films selected for the week-long festival, marking a significant milestone for Goan cinema and cultural representation on an international platform.

Directed, shot, and narrated by Prachi Shirodkar, and edited by Mario Pimenta, the documentary offers an intimate portrayal of Goa’s traditional goldsmith community. The film was produced under the guidance of Agnelo D’Souza at Don Bosco College, Panjim, and documents the intricate craftsmanship, heritage, and lived realities of artisans whose skills have been passed down through generations.

The documentary features Goan artisans Rashila Shirodkar, Virendra Rivankar, and Pranay Shirodkar, capturing their techniques, artistic precision, and the cultural significance of gold craftsmanship in Goa. Through careful observation and storytelling, the film highlights the deep connection between labour, identity, and tradition within the community.

Prachi Shirodkar, a Goan filmmaker with a diploma in Architecture and a degree in Mass Communication, created Bhaangar: Kalakusar Karigiri with the intention of documenting and preserving the craftsmanship of Goan gold artisans. As a Goan woman filmmaker, her work represents an important contribution to women’s empowerment, amplifying female voices in documentary filmmaking and cultural narratives.

Beyond celebrating Goan heritage, the film also underscores women’s leadership, authorship, and creative ownership in cinema—fields historically dominated by men. Prachi’s journey reflects a growing movement of Goan women reclaiming and narrating stories rooted in culture, labour, and identity.

The 9th International Folklore Film Festival is being organised by the International Film Festival of Thrissur, Bhoumam Social Initiative, Centre for Media Studies, St. Thomas College, Thrissur, and International Folk Films India. Dedicated to showcasing films rooted in folklore, rural traditions, mythology, arts, handicrafts, and sustainable lifestyles, the festival serves as a global platform for culturally grounded storytelling.

Bhaangar: Kalakusar Karigiri stands as a meaningful contribution to this global dialogue, proudly representing Goan culture, craftsmanship, and women-led storytelling on the international stage.