A perceived lack of strong government support for local filmmakers and the struggle to develop a robust, independent Goan film industry is evident
The 14th edition of the Goa Marathi Film Festival held earlier this month at Panaji was a vibrant celebration of Marathi cinema.
Inaugurating the GMFF, Chief Minister, Dr Pramod Sawant, opined that such festivals enrich the state’s cultural heritage and inspire the local creative community, and urged the Marathi filmmakers to consider offering roles to Goans in their films.
While this earnest appeal does sound magnanimous coming from the CM, the observation that Goa’s approach to its film industry is paradoxical does serve to be a rude shock.
While the state actively promotes itself as a filming destination and has been hosting the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) since 2004, a perceived lack of strong government support for local filmmakers and the struggle to develop a robust, independent Goan film industry is more than evident.
The coastal state’s growing role as a hub of creative talent and cultural exchange cannot be doubted. Moreover, known for its scenic beauty and diverse landscapes, there is so much Goa has to offer as a film shooting location. The state’s villages, beaches, and unique architecture serve as backdrops for Hindi and other regional films, besides an array of international films.
Many argue that the decade-old success story of “Nachom-ia Kumpasar’ at the national and international stage was a healthy omen for Goa with its budding film industry witnessing a sudden spurt in the number of new films being produced.
The film, a tribute to Goan musicians, demonstrated the commercial viability of Konkani cinema and its potential audience, inspiring other filmmakers to continue telling stories in the language, according to a national newspaper.
Some films in the early years of Konkani cinema were reportedly successful and influential, with their soundtracks being particularly popular. But “Nachom-ia Kumpasar” proved beyond any doubt that Konkani films could indeed create box-office history.
While some Konkani films have done well, it is observed that Goans speaking Konkani do not necessarily patronize Konkani films, which can affect their financial viability. Has this kept away Konkani films from mainstream cinema.
The contribution of Goan musicians to Bollywood can never be forgotten. The mere mention of the popular song, “My name is Anthony Gonsalves,” brings to mind the legendary Goan musician and composer, Anthony Gonsalves, who was paid tribute to by legendary composer Pyarelal Sharma who was his student.
The exodus of Goan musicians to Bombay in search of better opportunities in the burgeoning music and entertainment industries from the mid-twentieth century onwards brought about a scenario where the dominance of Goan musicians in Bollywood was absolute.
Goa has always been rich in musical traditions blending Indian and Portuguese influences to create a unique cultural identity. It is claimed that the region’s Portuguese colonial past significantly influenced its musical culture, introducing Western instruments and musical styles.
Goan musicians became adept at playing various instruments, including those used in jazz bands, orchestras, and film music. This expertise made them highly sought after in Bombay’s entertainment scenario. They shaped the sound of Bollywood’s ‘Golden Era’.
The plight of many a Goan musician in today’s Mumbai film industry however suggests that the changing musical landscape and a shift in focus have contributed to a considerable decline in their prominence in the industry. It is also argued that the rise of electronic music and synthesized sounds may also have impacted the prominence of traditional instrumentalists.
If news reports are to be believed, Goan musicians are now performing internationally at festivals and catching the attention of the audience worldwide. This is in line with what musicians from the state did while playing in the film industry.
Referred to as the ‘ambassador of Goan music to the world’; Sonia Shirsat, the only professional ‘Fadista’ in the Indian subcontinent, has been singing internationally since 2008.
A thriving film industry in Goa can benefit local musicians and other creative professionals by providing new opportunities for collaboration, exposure, and income. This includes increased demand for music composition, sound design, and performance in films.
However, the lack of state-of-the-art studios, post-production facilities, and equipment that are readily available in established film centres, limited financial support for local filmmakers, and the absence of robust distribution and exhibition networks hinder Goa’s growth as a major film production hub.
The absence of formal film schools or institutions to nurture local talent is another major stumbling block. Over and above, the market for Konkani films is limited primarily to the Goan audience, making it difficult to generate substantial revenue.
Moreover, the perception of Goa having its own vibrant film industry is challenged by the presence of bureaucratic hurdles and red-tapism. The current environment, characterized by excessive political and bureaucratic interference, makes it difficult to envision a self-sufficient industry.
The focus on winning national and state film awards has evidently hindered the development of a genuine film culture by prioritizing award recognition over artistic merit and audience engagement in Goa.
As Laxmikant Shetgaonkar, the celebrated filmmaker who’s “Paltadacho Munis” went on to win the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) prize at the Toronto Film Festival in 2009 says, “What good are awards if a film does not reach an audience!”
But how serious are Goans about having their very own film industry! Considering the way the proposal to have a film city in Loliem-Polem has run into rough weather, locals seem to be divided over the whole issue.
Of course Konkani cinema is unlikely to remain nascent indefinitely, as a new generation of filmmakers, government support through initiatives like Goa State Film Festival, and the adoption of contemporary storytelling methods suggest a promising future and a transition from the nascent stage. Is Konkani cinema showing strong signs of a renaissance?
