Media Release

Brisbane, Dec 7: The bustling capital city Brisbane of Queensland, Australia became a vibrant hub of cultural celebration on December 3. The screening of the enchanting Konkani movie ‘Osmitay’ was not just a day at the movies; it was a captivating journey into the heritage, amplifying the essence of Konkani culture while supporting the noble cause of Mandd Sobhann, leaving the audience enchanted and enlightened.

‘Osmitay’, a cinematic marvel is directed by Vilas Ratnakar Kshatriya, and produced by Louis J Pinto under Mandd Sobhann Productions banner. The story of 'Osmitay' is penned by Eric Ozario with Joel Pereira as the screenplay writer and co-director. This movie cast a mesmerizing spell, seamlessly weaving together tales of tradition, emotion, and linguistic pride. Through its captivating narrative, the film painted a vivid tapestry showcasing the beauty and depth of the Konkani language and culture.

Set against the backdrop of Brisbane, the screening at Majestic Cinemas transformed into a cultural carnival, brimming with excitement and learning. The Mangalorean Catholic Association of Brisbane (MCAB) had organised a Sunday Mass at the St John Vianney's Catholic Church in Manly, from there a few of the audience members caught up at the Whale Park at Wynnum for a sausage sizzle and some masala chai. What made this event extraordinary was its altruistic purpose – every cent raised through ticket sales found its way back to Mandd Sobhann, reaffirming the commitment to safeguarding and promoting Konkani language, culture and traditions.

At the heart of this cinematic extravaganza stands Mandd Sobhann, a stalwart dedicated to preserving and nurturing the essence of Konkani culture. From mesmerizing music to soul-stirring dances and now through the lens of ‘Osmitay’, Mandd Sobhann continues to be the torchbearer of the rich Konkani heritage.

As the film unfolded, the audience embarked on an enlightening journey, not just into a story but into the very fabric of their heritage. The emotional resonance, subtle nuances, and the depth of storytelling in ‘Osmitay’ left an indelible mark on viewers, connecting them deeply to their roots.

The event was a mosaic of emotions, united by a shared love for culture and language. Attendees were not just spectators; they were active participants, contributing to the noble cause while immersing themselves in the sheer brilliance of Konkani cinematic artistry. The success of the ‘Osmitay’ screening in Brisbane transcended beyond applause. It echoed a collective celebration of our identity, fostering a renewed sense of pride and appreciation for the Konkani language and culture.

The ‘Osmitay’ screening in Brisbane was not merely about watching a movie; it was an immersive experience, a celebration of the heritage, and a moment of unity and pride. As the evening concluded, the audience departed with hearts full of newfound knowledge, deeper cultural connections, and a lasting appreciation for the treasures held within the vibrant world of Konkani art and language.

The movie would not have been possible without the relentless efforts, and the unwavering support of the MCAB organizing members. Savio D’Souza used his networking skills to spread the word and ensured that there was a large crowd, Ronald Rodrigues and Juliet Rodrigues helped with collection of the funds and their transfer back to Mandd Sobhann in Mangaluru, India. Merlin Almeida was the master of the ceremonies and also interviewed the audience to get their feedback on the movie. Roshan Vas helped with videography and editing of the video of the interviews. Maisie D’Souza and Kenneth D’Souza helped run the raffle ticket counter on the day and generate some extra revenue for the event. The rest of the team which included Shalvin Vas, Oscar D’Sa, Fiona Lobo, Wilson D’Souza, Rochelle D’Souza, Navin Sequeira and Reshma Mathias all played their part in making the event a great success.

The patron sponsor of the event was Reanne Rodrigues and her music classes known as ‘Baby Symphony’.

The event not only showcased the brilliance of 'Osmitay' but also reaffirmed the power of cinema in preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage.

To view photos of the event: Click here

To watch video: Click here