Dolcy D’Cruz
The 56th International Film Festival of India is back with fresh stories, bold voices and exciting new films to light up the big screen. This year, the Entertainment Society of Goa has special section of films by Goan film directors and producers, which opens today, November 21 with a grand red carpet for all five homegrown films. While familiar Goan filmmakers
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return to the IFFI buzz, this edition also marks a milestone for several newcomers who will be premiering their debut non feature films. ESG received total of 17 entries, out of which five films are selected by jury members, P Sheshadri, Chairman of Jury, Priya Krishnaswamy and Rajeev Bhatia, who are distinct professionals from the Indian Film Industry. The Goan Director’s Cut
category includes three films, ‘Halad’ directed by Sobita Kudtarkar, ‘My Dad Invented The Vadapav Ashok Vaidya And Sons’ directed by Sainath Uskaikar and ‘Zero Bulb’ directed by Soham Prasad Bhende. In the Goan Producer’s Cut category, the two films are ‘Meraki, By The Sea’ produced by Dr Gwendolynn De Ornelas and ‘Ghar’ produced by Sahit Studios LLP. Directed by Sainath Uskaikar
Vada Pav, Mumbai’s iconic street food, is more than Just a snack-it’s a symbol of the city’s energy, unity, and resilience. Created in the 1960s by Ashok Vaidya outside Dadar Station, this simple yet revolutionary dish was inspired by Balasaheb Thackeray’s vision of Marathi pride and empowerment. By combining a crispy, spiced batata vada with soft pav, zesty garlic chutney, and a fiery green chilli, Vaidya crafted a snack that perfectly matched Mumbai’s fast pace and diverse spirit. Priced at just 20 rupees, vada pav became a unifier, enjoyed by everyone from labourers to professionals. It’s the taste of Mumbai’s unapologetic vibrance, loved by everyone from everyday commuters to Bollywood stars. Vada pav isn’t just food-it’s the soul of the city, thriving in every bite.
‘Meraki By the Sea’ is an evocative docu-montage that traces the remarkable journey of Marius Fernandes, a visionary Goan cultural reformer born in Kenya, raised in the UK, and deeply rooted in Goa. Directed by Himanshu Singh and produced by Dr Gwendolyn de Ornelas, the film marks a significant moment for Goan cinema and the Goan global
diaspora. The documentary explores Marius’s extraordinary contribution to community with more than 100 people’s festivals over 25 years, created with zero sponsors, zero alcohol, and a philosophy of openness, inclusivity and community empowerment. Known fondly as the Festival Man of Goa, his story resonates with universal themes of identity, belonging, and cultural return. Excited to attend the screening of the film, Marius informs, “Besides the director Himanshu Singh, producer Dr Gwendolyn de Ornelas, I have requested 100 percent visually impaired Rama Parsekar and Vishant Nagvekar in a wheelchair to accompany me on the red carpet.”
