As Goan cinema grows in cultural ambition and thematic depth, women remain underrepresented behind the camera. Filmmakers like Prachi Shirodkar, Valanka Fernandes, Saisma Naik and Sharvi Dhond highlight both progress and persistent gender gaps
While Goan cinema continues to produce films rooted in culture, identity, and social realities, women remain underrepresented behind the camera. Are there enough women filmmakers in Goan cinema scenario?
Among the most recognised women filmmakers in Goa is Prachi Shirodkar, a documentary filmmaker and actress whose work has earned national and international acclaim. She has received the Best Documentary Award at the Miseentage Indian Film Awards, Best Documentary at the Amader International Short Film Festival, and the Best Student Documentary Award at the Goa International Film Competition, along with a Best Director Festival Mention at Amader and several other international selections. As an actress, she has appeared in ‘Smoke and Mirrors’ and ‘Imagine If It Was You’, demonstrating versatility across genres. Currently working as an art director and assistant director on films and commercials, she continues to deepen her practical understanding of the craft.
Prachi says, “We need more female filmmakers. I believe there should be a dedicated platform in Goa where everyone can learn the practical process of filmmaking. It’s very different when you actually work on set, and it can be challenging without proper hands-on experience. A structured course or platform that teaches how things really work on set would make a big difference. Theory can teach you basics about Filmmakers but there is still so much more to learn beyond that.”
Prachi Shirodkar
Women often think deeply and bring strong emotional awareness to their work. Many are highly sensitive, intuitive, and capable of offering unique perspectives. Women can approach stories with maturity and depth, often noticing subtle details through strong observation and intuition. “I am personally drawn to emotionally driven, real-life stories, and I believe women have a powerful ability to express such narratives with authenticity and insight. When we talk about women in general, many have a natural ability to analyse deeply. If that insight is put onto paper, the outcome can be powerful. We definitely need more women in filmmaking,” says Prachi.
According to Valanka Fernandes, co-director with Shaurya Neer of Naturally Educated, “Women filmmakers in Goan cinema often face limited opportunities, funding challenges, and are not always taken as seriously as their male counterparts. Yet, they bring powerful and authentic perspectives to storytelling. Despite obstacles, several Goan women have made meaningful contributions. Their work reflects dedication and creative strength. They prove that women are capable leaders behind the camera. For Goan cinema to truly grow, women filmmakers must be supported and respected. Equal space behind the camera will create a richer and more inclusive industry.”
Valanka Fernandes
Representing the growing intersection of cinema and technology is Saisma Naik, director of Toto, an AI-driven film centred on a dog. The project is set to become the first AI-generated film directed by a Goan woman and has been selected for the AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam from March 16–20.
Saisma observes that women filmmakers in Goa often face limited opportunities, funding challenges, and are not always taken as seriously as their male counterparts. However, she emphasised that women bring authentic and powerful perspectives to storytelling. According to her, equal space and sustained support for women behind the camera will contribute to a richer and more inclusive cinematic culture.
Saisma Naik
Emerging director Sharvi Dhond, who has worked on films such as The Awakening, Illuminate, and Smoke and Mirrors, is set to make her directorial debut in 2026. Her upcoming projects include From Goalpost to Glory, a documentary on Goan football legend Brahmanand Shankwalkar; Her Unfinished Chapters; Sherine’s Intermission, starring Falak Fatima Siddiqui and exploring the psychological impact of immersive acting; and A Wounded Past, featuring Varun Thanki alongside debutant Aakanksha Bakhale, which addresses the issue of drug abuse.
Sharvi Dhond
Describing herself as a feminist filmmaker, Dhond argues that the need for more women in cinema extends beyond representation—it is about perspective. She believes women bring lived experiences and nuanced storytelling that can challenge conventional narratives and expand creative possibilities.
As Goa’s film industry continues to evolve, the conversation around gender representation remains central to its growth. With women contributing across documentary, fiction, and experimental formats, sustained support and equal opportunity could help shape a more diverse, balanced, and forward-looking cinematic future for the State.
