From kandils to cinema: How IFFI fuels Goa’s cultural energy

The nine-day filmy fiesta is still vibrant and the city of Panaji is wearing a colourful look with hanging Akash kandils, decorations, hoarding, banners and posters, lighting and other IFFI related art on the streets and traffic islands. This time’s IFFI saw a mixed audience – and many first timers too.

Cinema’s social impact, doubtingly, is huge. The stories that are told through celluloid make a deep imprint on the minds and sometimes these impressions remain with you for life. Films have always remained a strong medium to spread social messages that can change the entire societal mind-set. Realising this potential of the cinema, the government of Goa has been trying to involve local youth in IFFI by creating various attractive platforms. Depicting Goan culture through music, folk dances, floats, stage shows, performances and exhibitions, and engaging local talent, the government is aiming to be a perfect host – satisfying people from all walks of life.

Opportunities in cinema for young Goans

According to Goan actor-director Sobita Kudtarkar youth-led cinema is reshaping visibility for Konkani stories in Goa and abroad. Films like Wagro, Leela and Straight Ahead have shifted the way young Goans view opportunities in cinema, with festival circuits now seen as realistic destinations for Goan films. “There is a visible shift among Goa’s youth vis-à-vis filmmaking,” says Sobita.

Before Wagro, people would talk about sending films to IFFI. Now they’re applying to festivals at Raindance, Toronto and Cannes. “One film going out opened a gate for many of us,” quips Sobita, pointing out that discussions in local filmmaking circles now focus on submitting globally rather than only within the State.

Potential to shape promising talents

Prajakta Kavlekar who wears multiple hats that of an actor, assistant director, costume designer and casting director, teaches theatre to kids through her group Kalasaad, with two others – Shravan Fondekar and Mandar Jog. Admitting that IFFI has genuinely influenced her career, Prajakta says, “Growing up in Goa, having a major international film festival right here gave me early exposure to world cinema and even pushed me to pursue formal training in acting.”

Prjakta’s personal milestone was when ‘Before I Sleep’ (directed by Arvin Vaz) was selected for the Goan Section. Another proud moment was seeing ‘Sadabahar’ directed by Suyash Kamat, in the Pan-India section. She worked as a costume designer in this film. At the same time she feels that the festival could represent Goan artists better.

Influencers with no connection to cinema often get more visibility than actual film professionals, and sometimes even red-carpet hosts don’t know the directors they are speaking to. The fact that Goan films are getting morning slots also sends a message that our own stories are not prioritised. Nonetheless, Prajakta believes that IFFI has a great potential. It has shaped many in Goa. Albeit, I hope that IFFI starts giving more respectful space to Goa’s film community.

Competitions to boost local artisans

A State-level Akash Kandil competition was organised to motivate the art of State artisans in Goa who craft sky lanterns. These had to be submitted to the ESG, which are now installed at INOX complex. The contest carried three prizes (of Rs 5000, Rs 3000 and Rs 2000) for each of the 12 talukas. Each taluka could send 50 entries and each participant was to get a token of appreciation amounting to Rs 500. This move seemed to be a part of the boost to local artisans. Similarly the Shigmo and Carnival floats that paraded on day one of IFFI also had support from the government. Those who participated received a specific amount as a token of support, and apart from this there were attractive prizes for the winners.

Challenges before Konkani film industry

The Konkani film industry has its own challenges – lack of local viewership acts as a barrier to funding. Many in Goa still are unaware that Konkani films exist. “When you don’t have an audience, producers ask where the money will come from. That’s why many films go to festivals — that’s where the support and recognition come,” observes Sobita and describe how attempts to create longer-format films struggled when team members viewed the effort as a side-gig due to uncertainty around returns.

Support from within the community is essential for the growth of Konkani cinema. Roots represent the people who watch, invest and encourage. “Only when our own audience backs us will theatres and producers pay attention and put in more effort into supporting stories. A new generation of Goans studying cinema outside the state and returning to make films in Konkani. “The heart of Konkani cinema lies in its language and its many dialects, and that stories rooted in local culture can speak universally when given visibility,” feels Sobita. Many believe that IFFI has helped to change the perspective of Goa in the eyes of visitors and experience Goa as more than beaches, as a State that hosts a serious cultural event. Norbert Dias, a cine lover coming from Margao to watch films, feels the festival is more organised now, compared to the initial days. “I come here as a delegate, to watch films,” says Norbert recalling his days when he and other film lovers had started a film club to watch movies. “We were the first in Goa to start a film society in 1980 – Vichitra Film Society in Margao in association with Federation of Film Society of India and National Film Achieves. We also organised many film festivals collaborating with different Embassies. We also collaborated with Cine Vision in Panaji,” adds Norbert, who spends a day or two now at the festival watching two or three films in a day. However, he finds the glamour that earlier IFFIs had is not seen now. “Maybe because we are used to it now, but I must say it is well organised and set in place. The ticketing system is good. We get an entry if seats are available.” Norbert also mentions that the young Goans who are enthusiastic to enter into the film industry get to learn from the master classes, workshops from eminent film personalities. The scope for Goan filmmakers and actors have largely widened with IFFI, he says.