It is a documentary that is certainly an eye opener to anyone who watches it. This is a story not about ghosts or creatures of the dark that come out when the sun vanishes over the horizon. The film Guardian Spirits of Goa chronicles the history of guardian spirits or protector spirits and nature worship since the dawn of man and its transformation over millennia. It uncovers many hidden jewels of Goa and the film introduces the cult of guardian spirits and how communities of people have relied on guardian spirits for the preservation of humankind and continues to do so. The director of the film, Vikas Muthamparambil said “the style of filming that we chose for this piece was to create an audio-visual experience that allowed the viewers to immerse themselves in the raw and rustic folklore in a way that was experienced by the tribal’s. Given the response of the audience, I feel it definitely worked.” Murali Shankaran
The Founder and one of the producers of the film of Make It Happen, Maria Victor added “the film is an attempt to highlight the inclusive narrative of Goa and how the worship of spirits has evolved and adapted across different empires, faiths, kingdoms and rulers. This is prevalent all over the world and in Goa it started when the tribes came into the state. This film chronicles how people even today across faiths have adapted to it. The Portuguese when they came in had to also adapt to it and had to deal with the concept of Rakhandars and call them Paulists. In the village of Siridao there are statues of Paulists who were considered giants who built churches and bridges in one day. ”
Murali Shankaran also a producer of the film said he did not want to give out too many spoilers but said it all started with folk deities who were there even before the tribals who were moving from place to place. The tribal’s would worship them in the form of a monolith and how it has been adapted through the various ages. He said “In Goa the tribal deities over centuries became something else. The Sankritisation happened and then rulers came from all over and the people adopted and adapted the changes. The tribals did not worship like the Brahmins would and there was over a period of time an amalgamation of all these practices. There is a place in Goa where we can still see a mix of tribal and adopted versions while worshiping a spirit God”.
Maria said people saw the later version of worship and thought of adapting it as it was one to aspire to. The producers said the aim of the documentary was to showcase the rich heritage of the state and lesser explored facets of Goa which is the ancient belief system in spirit worship in Goa.
The premier which was held recently was well attended. Sabrina, one of the guests at the première said “I went in with a blank slate not knowing what to expect. The screening included a live narration in the most melodious voice educating us about the first dwellers of Goa, their beliefs, and their stories of the guardian spirits. It is the kind of stuff that Miyazaki gets his inspiration from. If this were a series and it could easily be, I would be watching these back-to-back.”
Sanjeev Khandelval, Founder of Sensible.Earth remarked “I thoroughly enjoyed witnessing the Guardian Spirits of Goa! The content research, presentation, cinematography, narration was par excellence! The interactive format made it all come to life!”
In fact, many amongst the audience were curious to know more and questions regarding return to actual tours poured in, to which the co-founder Murali responded “while this is our introduction to worship of protector spirits in Goa, we are surely considering a sequel unearthing many more interesting stories” Undoubtedly a sequel is in the pipeline, as pointed out by the researcher and script writer of the film Amreen Shaikh, “for months we only debated about what must go into the film, as the research is vast and stories too many to be accommodated into one film.” Their mesmerizing storytelling has definitely left us all wanting for more. Reshma Alves from Earthen Experiences said “It was an innovative evening with such an interesting topic. My friends and I thoroughly enjoyed it and are looking forward to the next one and to an in-person experience.” Guardian Spirits of Goa will be screened at different venues in Goa in the coming days.
