Konkani cinema has achieved a significant milestone on the international stage, with the film AAI SAIBA! helping establish Konkani as a recognised language category within the United Kingdom's film classification process.
Writer, Director and Choreographer Stanley Menino D’Costa described the achievement as a proud moment not only for the film but for the Konkani language itself.
“We are proud to share that AAI SAIBA! has become the first Konkani film to be officially censored in the United Kingdom under the Konkani language category. Until now, a Konkani language classification did not exist within the UK censorship process,” stated Stanley in his post on Facebook.
“This is more than a milestone for our film. It is a milestone for the Konkani language, for Goan cinema, and for every filmmaker, artist, technician, and dreamer who believes our stories deserve a place on the global stage.”
When contacted, Stanley said this achievement is bigger than AAI SAIBA! because it gives recognition to the Konkani language.
“Earlier, Konkani was not available as a separate language category in the UK classification process. Through the certification of our film, Konkani was officially recognised, which is an important step for our language and our cinema.”
According to D’Costa, the process involved extensive communication, paperwork and coordination with UK authorities. He credited UK distributor Vilber Mark D’Costa of Navayah Films for playing a crucial role throughout the process.
The recognition is expected to create new opportunities for Konkani filmmakers seeking international distribution and wider visibility. D’Costa believes the milestone will make it easier for future Konkani productions to be classified, distributed and marketed correctly in overseas territories.
“When a language is recognised, it becomes easier for future films to be classified, distributed and presented correctly in international markets,” he said.
“My hope is that this encourages more Konkani filmmakers to think globally and take their stories to audiences outside India.”
D’Costa also highlighted the importance of regional language films gaining visibility on global platforms. He said such recognition helps preserve cultural identity while introducing local stories to international audiences.
“Language is a big part of our identity and culture. When regional language films travel internationally, they help preserve that culture and introduce it to new audiences,” he said.
Addressing the Konkani-speaking diaspora worldwide, D’Costa said the achievement should serve as a reminder that Konkani language and culture continue to thrive beyond geographical borders.
“We want people to feel proud of their roots and continue supporting Konkani cinema,” he added.
Explaining how the recognition came about, D’Costa said the primary objective was to ensure that AAI SAIBA! was correctly represented as a Konkani-language film during the UK classification process.
While the UK classification system already maintained a database of world languages, the review process resulted in Konkani being added as a separate language category.
“Today, when someone goes through that list of languages, they will find a Konkani dropdown option,” he said. “It may seem like a small change, but it is a meaningful step for the language and for Konkani cinema.”
D’Costa expressed gratitude to all those involved in the process, particularly Navayah Films and distributor Vilber Mark D’Costa, for helping make the recognition possible.
The development is being viewed as a landmark achievement for Konkani cinema and is expected to pave the way for future Konkani films seeking release and recognition in the United Kingdom and other international markets.
45 screenings of AAI SAIBA! in UK
The film AAI SAIBA!, which has been written and directed by Stanley and produced by Sneha Super Sound are being screened at least 45 times in cinemas across UK since June 19.
The film will be screened at Cineworld in London at Feltham (11 shows from June 19 to 25), Ilford (2 shows on June 20), South Ruislip (3 shows on June 19 and 20), Hounslow (16 shows from June 19 to 25), Wembley (11 shows from June 19 to 24); in Swindon at Shaw Ridge (1 show on June 19) and in Aberdeen at Queens Link (1 show on June 21)
The film has been co-produced by Makapao Films in association with Bymistake Motion Pictures, has been distributed by Navayah Films Ltd and presented by Remo Dsouza Media Private Limited.
