Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (CLP)

Mangaluru, Jul 11: Prince Jacob, president of the Tiatr Academy of Goa inaugurated the 'Konkani Filmotsav' at Bharath Big Cinemas on Friday, July 10 in the city.

Mandd Sobhann in association with Tiatr Academy of Goa has organized the 'Konkani Filmotsav' from July 10 to July 16 at Bharath Big Cinemas.

Addressing the gathering, Prince Jacob said, "I will be completing three years as president of the Tiatr Academy this month and I am happy that by the end of my term a 'Konkani Filmotsav' is organized in Mangaluru. I thank Mandd Sobhann for its support for Konkani films. The Konkani film journey began in the year 1950. We also have a long history similar to Hindi films.

"I had a dream to bring together the talent of Konkan belt and Goa together. I directed the film 'Padri' which was a grand success. Yet my dream is not complete. I have another dream, to make a film to bring together the talent of coastal region. I wish all success to the 'Konkani Filmotsav'." Jacob added. 

Roy Castelino, president of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy said, "It is a historic day for Konkani film industry. So many movies have been releasing in Tulu language, but we were lagging behind. We have to create a healthy competition between Tulu and Konkani films. We have the artistes, technicians, promoters and sponsors, but we lack the spirit to take the challenge. It has been observed that Konkani speaking people are major viewers of Tulu films and we give lot of support to other film industries. But our support to Konkani film is not strong.

"We have to come together and make Konkani shine. Like Prince Jacob, I also want to see a complete Konkani film released in Mangaluru before my term ends. As the president of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, I am ready to give all my support to the production team and I will put in all efforts to get good sponsors. We need to release a full scale Konkani film soon," Roy added.

Eric Ozario, Gurkar of Mandd Sobhann, Joywin Fernandes, director of the film 'MMS', Louis Pinto, president of Mandd Sobhann , Stany Alvares, co-ordinator were present among others.

Arun Raj Rodrigues compered the programme.

During the Filmotsav, seven Konkani movies will be screened as below:

Friday, July 10 - 6.30pm - MMSS

Saturday, July 11 - 6:30 pm - Home Sweet Home

Sunday, July 12 - 3.30 pm - Mortoo

Monday, July 13 - 6.30 pm - Digant

Tuesday, July 14 - 6.30 pm - Po'Ito'ddcho Monis

Wednesday, July 15 - 6.30 pm - Baga Beach

Thursday, July 16 - 6.30 pm - Uzwad