Konkani Cinema Day 2007

Artists, Film-makers should be united: Message on Konkani Cinema Day

PANJIM, Apr 24: Konkani Cinema Day was observed today at the Menezes Braganza Hall here in the presence of numerous cinema lovers. The function was graced by Kala Academy member-secretary Dr Pandurang Phaldessai, GM-Entertainment Society of Goa Nikhil Desai, Director of Art and Culture Prasad Lolienkar and Director of Information Department Menin Pires. The four government officers explained about the various facilities which are being provided by the government through their respective department, for the speedy improvement of Konkani cinema.
Several artists and film producers were present at the function, which was preceded by the garlanding of the photograph of Al Jerry Braganza by former Santo Andre MLA Teotonio Pereira. Rich tributes were also paid to the "Father of Konkani Cinema", Al Jerry Braganza, who released the first Konkani film "Mogacho Anvddo" on this day in 1950.
Speaking to DailyGoaNews Tomazinho Cardozo, president of Dalgado Konkani Academy, the main organisers of today's function said, "On the whole, today's function I feel was successful because it gave a call to the artists and the wellwishers of Konkani cinema to be united, to be dedicated to their work and strive to produce films of a high calibre."
"After 50 years, it is felt that though adequate film technology was not available during the time when Al Jerry Braganza made the movie 'Mogacho Anvddo', he produced it despite all odds only because of his abiding love for Konkani. Today there are many facilities, umpteen institutions including the government supporting film making, which can certainly give a boost to Konkani cinema, and today's meeting is of enough importance because all the heads of the government departments present have assured their whole-hearted support to bring Konkani cinema to a high standard," Tomazinho added.
Anil Govekar, Willy Goes and T-Bush, a young Goan film maker from Kuwait, suggested ways to promote film culture in Goa. On this occasion, Andrew Greno Viegas, a researcher who has documented Goan cinema in his book "50 Years of Cinema", was thanked for rendering yeoman service to document Konkani cinema. Willy Goes said that Andrew has unfortunately is seriously ill at the moment and is undergoing treatment for cancer. Jose Salvador Fernandes compered the meeting while Teotonio Pereira proposed the vote of thanks. [GoaNewsClips/25April2007]