PANAJI
‘Meraki “ By the Sea’ “ an evocative docu-montage has been officially selected for the Goan Stories Section at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). The title comes from Greek ” to create with soul, passion and love.
The film is a lyrical exploration of homeland ” not as geography, but as memory, spirit and service. It shows how a Goan born abroad returned not to consume Goa’s beauty, but to serve its soul through 104 community festivals powered by inclusivity, dignity and joy. It is a story of islands and imaginations, heritage and humanity, festivals and faith and one man’s belief in the power of people.
The film places two remarkable voices at its helm “ Dr Gwendolyn de Ornelas “ trailblazing female Goan producer, cultural advocate and heritage conservationist and Marius Fernandes “ the film’s subject, a visionary Goan cultural reformer born in Kenya, raised in the UK, and rooted deeply in Goa. A moment of cinematic celebration, and a historic achievement for women producers from Goa and Goans of the global diaspora, the film follows the extraordinary journey of Festacar Marius Fernandes, known as the ‘Festival Man’ of Goa. His life, lived across three continents, resonates with universal themes of identity, belonging, and cultural return.
Directed by Himanshu Singh, and produced by Dr Gwendolyn de Ornelas, the film highlights Marius’s unique contribution of curating more than 100 people’s festivals over 25 years with zero sponsors, zero alcohol, festivals without borders and boundaries! A revolution in community culture ” and a testament to what one determined Goan can do.
The cinematography is by Nehal Chari, sound by Pankaj Katware, associate directors Aditya Swaroop and Manjeet Singh, the production coordination is by Alisha Menezes.
The film also stands as a celebration of the increasing role of women in storytelling, film production, cultural leadership and global representation. An honorary doctor, scholar and cultural curator Dr Ornelas brings a Goan woman’s lens to a story rooted in land, memory and community ” ensuring Goan voices are not only heard but authored at the highest level.
“This is not just a film ” it is a message to the world. Goa is not merely a place ” it is a pulse, a memory, a constellation of its people. Marius shows us that culture can heal, include and uplift. I am proud to help tell this story to the world,” says Dr Ornelas.
