Media Release
Dubai, Oct 2: Konkani art, literature and culture have been greatly impacted by Mandd Sobhann, a cultural organization, in various domains. Now, Mandd Sobhann has reached another milestone by producing its debut Konkani movie ‘Osmitay’, in search of Konkani identity, that intends to take back its audience to their roots. The film was premiered on September 10 simultaneously in Mangaluru, Puttur and Manipal.
Continuing the trend, Osmitay UAE team hosted the curtain-raiser event for the much-awaited Konkani film 'Osmitay', in search of Konkani identity, in Dubai on September 30, 2023 at Hotel Smana in the presence of Konkani buffs.
The event began with welcoming of the guests of the evening. Thereafter, Alwyn Pinto made a grand entry wearing the traditional attire of the Konkani people of costal Karnataka, accompanied by brass band and carrying a trunk (wooden suitcase used in olden days) that symbolically depicted carrying ‘daaiz’ sent by Mandd Sobhann, much to the appreciation of the gathering. Fr Victor Fernandes, the spiritual director of the Mangalore Catholic community of St Mary’s Church, Dubai, opened the trunk that was filled with various types of costumes of ancestors. After searching intensely through the daaiz, Fr Victor finally traced the posters of ‘Osmitay’, in the trunk. This was followed by the releasing of posters of ‘Osmitay’ by Konkani activists from different regions and sects.
Fr Victor Fernandes then officially announced the dates on which ‘Osmitay’ movie will be released in the UAE. Speaking on the occasion Fr Victor said that Osmitay which has already been released in India has been getting loads of appreciation from the spectators, including the clergy and the religious. “It is very important for us to speak Konkani and encourage our children to do so, especially since we live away from our native land. ‘Osmitay’ movie has given us an opportunity to encourage Konkani and let’s all use this opportunity and watch the movie along with our children,” he advised.
Dayan D’Souza, founder of Daiji Dubai association and one of the overseas representatives of Mandd Sobhann, in his address, said that one must have three qualities in life, respect for parents, admiration for the place of birth and high regard for the language. He further provided a brief history of Mandd Sobhann's origin and their dream and desire to start this organization. He focused attention on the life of Eric Ozario, the Patron of Mandd Sobhann and stressed why he should be termed a fighter. In addition, he emphasized the importance of supporting and encouraging the film.
Addressing the gathering, Mohamed Naveed mentioned the reasons behind his love towards Konkani by giving instances of his life and motivated the folks to watch this movie and keep up the spirit of our mother tongue.
The Osmitay UAE team member, Roshan D’Silva welcomed the guests and compered the programme. The stage programme came to an end with the vote of thanks proposed by James Mendonca, president of Mangalore Konkans. Renowned Konkani activists from UAE Joseph Mathias, Lancy Madtha, Leo D’Souza, Ronald Martis, Sudarshan Hegde and Nelson Rodricks were also present on the dais
The winner of Golden voice of UAE Valentina Castelino, Priyanka Maria D’Souza, finalist of Golden Voice of UAE, Wilson D’Souza Mogarnad, Dr Rashmi Fernandes nee Ozario, Alwyn Fernandes, Jospeh Mathias and Lancy Madtha regaled the audience with some melodious Konkani songs.
Lovelyn Kelarai provided technical support to the event. Sponsoring and buying tickets at the venue was done by entrepreneurs and audience to support the movie. Sponsors were felicitated with shawls that were specifically designed with the 'Osmitay' logo. The event concluded with a sumptuous dinner.
Dubai premiere show on October 15 at 4.30 pm, Star Galleria Cinema, Hyatt Regency, Deira Dubai
Second show on October 15 at 7.30 pm, Star Galleria Cinema, Hyatt Regency, Deira Dubai.
For tickets contact:
Alwyn Pinto - 050 4583930
Melwin Kalakul – 055 5306057
Roshan Menezes – 050 3875335
Sonali Fernandes – 052 8911756
Sharmila Mendonca – 052 2530710
Abu Dhabi premiere show on October 15 at 4.30 pm, Star Cinema, screen # 1, 3rd floor, Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi, contact: 050 6998272
For tickets contact:
Royal Music - 02 6225410 / 056 4637695
Broadway Events – 050 3229684
Sharan D’Souza – 050 2654131
Manoj Menezes – 050 6722029
Conrad D’Souza – 050 6628795
Neil Dcunha – 050 5617973
Lancy D’Souza – 050 6229389
Darrel Menezes – 050 8432447
Sharjah premiere show on October 22 at 5.30 pm, Cinepolis Cinema, Oasis Mall, Sharjah
For tickets contact:
Roshan D’Silva – 050 1636014
Stephen Menezes – 052 6675475
Pramila Barboza – 050 5182366
Alwyn Cutinha – 050 5395671
Anita Lobo – 050 2615330
Santosh Shetty – 050 2961617