Talpankar questions 'step-motherly treatment' of Konkani films
PANAJI
Even as Goa is celebrating the international acclaim for 'Ancessao' — a Konkani short film that bagged the Best International Short Film award at the International Film Festival of South Asia (IFFSA) in Toronto — a sharp note of discontent has emerged from the very award-winning actress.
Prashanti Talpankar, who won the Best Actor (International) award for her powerful portrayal of an elderly Goan woman, used the opportunity to question whether the government was giving “step-motherly treatment” to Goan cinema.
Speaking after the recognition, Talpankar said that despite repeated appeals, Konkani cinema continues to struggle for visibility, financial backing, and institutional support.
“Every director and producer in Goa says the same thing — that people don’t come to the theatre to watch local films. Government help is needed and it must step in with financial assistance. There was a film finance scheme, but it stopped in 2013. Though revived this year, films like 'Juze' and others were still put in the C category, which is really disappointing,” she said.
“Most of them (filmmakers, actors) are young. They should not be disappointed. The jury members may be good people, but they lack the kind of experience needed to assess films at an international level. Is this step-motherly treatment? It seems so. The films feel it,” Talpankar remarked.
'The Goan' tried contacting the Vice Chairperson of the Entertainment Society of Goa, Delilah Lobo, but she remained unavailable for comment.
'Ancessao', directed by Manguirish Bandodkar, explores the lonely existence of an elderly Goan woman who finds solace in gossip, revealing the complex emotions of isolation, guilt, and human frailty. The 30-minute film was among 120 films in 22 languages screened at the Toronto festival from October 9 to 19.
Congratulating Talpankar on her win, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said her achievement was a proud moment for Goa, adding that it highlighted “the immense talent in Goan cinema and the growing global recognition of the Konkani language and culture.”
