The Goan Chaplaincy UK presented a Konkani movie, titled ‘Padrik Nanv Nam?’ in six centres across London as a fundraiser. The movie was first released in London in January 2020.
‘Padrik Nanv Nam?’ is a Konkani film produced by Valerian Vaz and co-produced by Andre Teixeira. The film is written and directed by Viraj Salkar and Valerian Vaz under JP Goa Productions.
"I grew up around priests. The more I interacted with priests, I realised the struggles of the holy men of God," said Valerian Vaz. "That's the heart behind the script."
He spoke about the rationale behind the title, stating that priests are criticised even after doing so many works of charity. He intends to display the silent suffering of priests. “The best way to understand the title is a question: Why are priests' names tarnished even after great sacrifice and momentous service towards others?” asked Vaz.
The movie was viewed in Southall (October 1), Wembley (October 7), Swindon (October 8), Mitcham (October 9), Hayes (October 16) and Wood Green (November 3).
Since its release, the movie has completed 25 shows in the UK and Goa, as the pandemic halted the producer's plans to show the film across the globe to Konkani speaking diaspora.
Fr Patrick D'Souza, the Goan Chaplain UK, thanked Valerian Vaz for donating the profits of shows in the UK for Goan Chaplaincy and supporting works of evangelisation.
Andre Teixeira, the co-producer, stated that after the Covid-19 pandemic, Goan Chaplaincy UK had resurrected the movie to bring it before the audience.
“During the pandemic, the film was almost forgotten,” recalled Teixeira.
When contacted, Fr Feroz Fernandes, a Pilar Father who is a part of the Goan Chaplaincy in the UK, said he had met some people after watching the film.
“Some confessed with tears rolling their eyes that the film’s intensity depicts the unseen life of priests’ suffering, sometimes because the priest stands for justice and offers mercy to the vulnerable,” said Fr Fernandes.
“The film’s climax leads the audience into a silent meditation. Although a few felt the film needed more humour elements, the viewers remained curious if the film was based on the real-life story of a priest.”
