Tag: Women Filmmakers

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.

Events in Goa

Tribeny Rai’s Shape of Momos Brings Everyday Sikkimese Lives to the Big Screen at IFFI 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

At the 56th International Film Festival of India, Sikkimese filmmaker Tribeny Rai’s debut feature Shape of Momos captured attention for its sensitive and authentic portrayal of everyday life in Sikkim. Screened under the Indian Panorama section, the film explores the cultural and emotional landscape of the Eastern Himalayas through the eyes of its women protagonists. Following the screening, Tribeny Rai, producer and co-writer Kislay, and lead actor Gaumaya Gurung shared insights about the film and the Sikkimese film industry at a press conference.

An alumna of the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Tribeny Rai is recognized for her nuanced storytelling that highlights the lived experiences of women in her region. Shape of Momos, rooted in her personal experiences and cultural memory, represents a journey of both artistic exploration and logistical perseverance. With Sikkim’s film industry still in its nascent stages, the team faced significant infrastructural challenges, including sourcing professional camera equipment from other cities. Despite these hurdles, the film has already been showcased at international festivals, including Busan, reflecting its global resonance.

The title of the film draws from the ubiquity of momos in Sikkim, a food that accompanies both joyful and sorrowful occasions, symbolizing the shared rhythms of daily life. Producer Kislay noted the importance of presenting stories from underrepresented regions like Sikkim without succumbing to stereotypes. He emphasized that the selection of the film at IFFI represents the fulfillment of a long-held aspiration to bring authentic regional voices to wider audiences.

Lead actor Gaumaya Gurung highlighted the significance of portraying a female perspective, something she finds rare in Nepali-language cinema despite her years of experience. She appreciated the film’s careful balance between subjective and objective storytelling, allowing audiences to engage deeply with the protagonist’s inner world.

Distribution remains a challenge for independent regional films, yet Shape of Momos is slated for release across Sikkim, North Bengal, parts of Meghalaya and Assam, as well as Dehradun, catering to Nepali-speaking audiences. Additionally, the film will have a theatrical release in Italy, extending its reach internationally. Tribeny Rai stressed the need for a supportive community of independent filmmakers in Sikkim to navigate these challenges and enhance visibility.

As the first woman filmmaker from Sikkim, Tribeny Rai reflected on the gradual emergence of film culture in the state. Limited resources and infrastructure make filmmaking a formidable endeavor, but there is growing enthusiasm among young Sikkimese film students, many of whom resonate with the portrayal of familiar lives in Shape of Momos. Through this debut, Tribeny challenges the mainstream cinematic lens that often exoticizes the Northeast or reduces it to narrow narratives, presenting instead a story where everyday Sikkimese people are the heroes of their own lives.

Events in Goa

Dr. L. Murugan Inaugurates IFFI 2025 Masterclass Series, Spotlight on AI, Sustainability & Women-led Cinema

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2025) opened a significant chapter today as Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan, inaugurated the festival’s prestigious Masterclass Series at the Kala Academy in Goa. This year marks a historic milestone with the Masterclass inauguration being held for the first time in the presence of the general public, reflecting IFFI’s vision of fostering greater accessibility, openness, and participation from film enthusiasts across all walks of life. Distinguished dignitaries including Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting Shri Sanjay Jaju, Joint Secretary Dr. Ajay Naghbhushan, National Film Development Corporation Managing Director Shri Prakash Magdum, celebrated filmmaker Shri Muzaffar Ali, and noted film personality Shri Ravi Kottarakara graced the occasion, reinforcing the festival’s stature as a global platform for cinematic dialogue and innovation.

In his inaugural address, Dr. Murugan emphasized India’s expanding cultural footprint, noting that more than 200 films from around the world will be screened at this year’s festival. He highlighted that IFFI 2025 aligns with India’s journey toward Viksit Bharat, showcasing the nation’s creative evolution on the global stage. Underscoring the government’s commitment to Nari Shakti, he shared that 50 films directed by women will be showcased, reflecting the growing prominence, participation, and excellence of women filmmakers within the industry, inspired by the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

The Masterclass Series has drawn participants from multiple countries including Australia, Japan, Germany, and Canada, emphasizing its widening global reach and relevance in contemporary filmmaking. This year’s edition promises a rich spectrum of learning opportunities through panel discussions, interactive workshops, roundtable sessions, fireside chats, and interviews designed to deepen understanding of the craft. Acclaimed film personalities such as Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Anupam Kher, Muzaffar Ali, Shad Ali, Shekhar Kapur, Rajkumar Hirani, Aamir Khan, Vishal Bhardwaj, and Suhasini Maniratnam will lead various sessions, making the lineup one of the most dynamic and influential in IFFI’s history.

Setting an inspiring tone, renowned filmmaker Shri Muzaffar Ali conducted the first session of the series, offering participants a glimpse into his rich cinematic philosophy. The Masterclass program this year will explore emerging and future-forward themes, including the integration of Artificial Intelligence in filmmaking, sustainability practices within the creative industry, and technical advancements in cinematography, visual effects, and special effects. Theatre acting workshops led by seasoned experts will further enhance the festival’s holistic focus on performance arts.

By blending global expertise with India’s cultural strengths, IFFI 2025 continues to evolve as a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-looking festival that celebrates the art of cinema while nurturing the next generation of storytellers.

Films

Anuparna Roy Becomes First Indian Woman to Win Orizzonti Award for Best Director at Venice Film Festival

allycaralgoa

At the 82nd Venice Film Festival, filmmaker Anuparna Roy achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first Indian woman to win the prestigious Orizzonti Award for Best Director. Her debut feature, Songs of Forgotten Trees, presented by acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, was celebrated for its daring storytelling and innovative cinematic voice.

The Orizzonti (Horizons) section at Venice is dedicated to showcasing cutting-edge films from around the world, and winning this award signals an international recognition of Roy’s artistry. The jury praised Songs of Forgotten Trees for its “bold vision and deeply original narrative,” making it stand out among a diverse selection of global films.

This win is not only a personal triumph for Roy but also a landmark moment for Indian cinema on the global stage, especially for women filmmakers. By breaking through at such a prestigious platform, Roy has opened doors for more diverse voices and stories from India to find international acclaim.

Presented by Anurag Kashyap, who has long been an advocate for new and unconventional cinematic voices, Songs of Forgotten Trees reflects a growing confidence in Indian independent cinema.

Roy’s achievement has been widely hailed as a turning point, highlighting the power of fresh perspectives in filmmaking and inspiring the next generation of storytellers.