Sunday, May 9, 2010

Audio of Konkani film 'Black' to be released at Easter

Audio of 'Black' to be released at Easter

By Gasper Crasto

Kuwait March 30, 2010: Music is the most beautiful form of arts, and when music is entwined with words, it becomes a perfect melody. The association between a popular film and emotion is a long-established part of the lore of Indian cinema, for filmmakers and fans alike. Running alongside this, and indeed long preceding it, is an equally entrenched association between lyrics, music and emotion.

Right from the first Konkani film 'Sukhi Koni' made in 1949 to films like Mogacho Anvddo, Amchem Noxib, Nirmon, Boglant, Bhuierantlo Munis, Mog ani Moipas, Padri, etc, songs have assumed a much more prominent role in the soundtrack and sound design of feature films. Like their classical precursors, soundtracks, based on a collage of songs, play a vital role in amplifying and inflecting the much desired touching significance to films.

Winner of Best Singer Kala Academy Award in 1989, Braz Rodrigues popularly known as Braz de Parra holds credits for writing the lyrics of 'Black Nhesop Atanchem Fashion' - the first Konkani E-Cinema. The audio album of the movie premiered back in 2007 will be released in Goa at Easter. The album by T-Bush Films will be marketed by Manfa Music.




Many people argue about the importance of lyrics or wordings in songs. Many are staunchly in the 'lyrics rule' corner, while many claim to never pay attention to them, saying that they don't really think lyrics impact their appreciation so long as the voice itself is pleasant.
But in Konkani songs, if the words of a song or voice of the vocalist irritate, chances are that the music isn't going to win the audience over on its own. And if the music is derivative or uninspired, the lyricist is going to have a hard time saving the day all by his lonesome in the critical land that is the ears of the audience.
In analyzing the lyrics of BLACK it is all too easy to drift into an analysis which focuses on the characters as well as persona of the cast. To analyze the lyrics per se is rather like examining a film's script. There is nothing wrong so long as we don't confuse an artiste with the film and the song-as-performed.
A singer the singer and lyricist Braz says, "Not all of my songs can be classified as awesome; I have quieter and other comedy songs too. I always try to have melodious songs; the melodies can then be combined with different styles of singing or with any other style. 'Rau rau, kiteak voit go dhanvon' is a good example of an original and brilliant work combining melodies with drums and danceable beat riffs."
T-Bush has tried to find the right harmony for the songs by fitting the melodies with the most appropriate music rhythm and style. The benchmark was probably set by T-Bush in acquiring a masterpiece of different techniques of musicianship. T-Bush himself has sung a song which is one of the prime background soundtracks of BLACK.
All the songs in the movie are quite unique. The soundtracks are sung by lead actress of BLACK Gracy Morais, Comedian Philip, T-Bush and Maggie. Norman Cardozo has breathed life into the lyrics. Most of the tracks are high on emotions interspersed with Goan musical arrangements that give the songs an exclusive feel.



[The writer can be contacted by email: gaspercrasto@hotmail.com]

31 Konkani celluloid films produced

A few days ago I used the word "Kollywood" in the subject line to refer to Konkani films and Isidore Dantas book "Konknni Cholchitram". Gaspar Almeida (Kuwait) has kindly corrected me that the term "Kollywood" has already been used to refer to Tamil films, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamil_cinema.
I want to thank Gaspar for pointing that out.

Gollywood has already been taken by Gujarati cinema, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gujarati_cinema.

Where does that leave Goan/Konkani films? What "wood" are we ;-)

George
P.S The regional breakdown of the 31 Konkani celluloid films produced which are listed in "Konknni Cholchitram" are: Mangalore 10, Bangalore 1, Dubbed 2, Kuwait 1, Canada 1, Goa 16.


4/3/2010

"Konknni Cholchitram", a book on Konkani films

To: Isidore Dantas
Cc: George Pinto ; gasperalmeida@gmail.com

________________________________________

"Konknni Cholchitram", a book on Konkani films by renowned award-winning Goan author Isidore Dantas had its international launch in California, USA, at the grand Goa Sudharop function at the India Community Center, Milpitas on April 4, 2010. The book was released to celebrate Goa Sudharop's 10th anniversary. Although the author could not be present, several sponsors of the book were onstage to cut the ribbon to launch this highly anticipated Konkani filmbook which covers 31 Konkani films.

The book consists of 282 pages, all in colour with about 269 photographs. It comprises information on all 31 Konkani celluloid films produced to date (Mangalore 10, Bangalore 1, Dubbed 2, Kuwait 1, Canada 1, Goa 16). The book contains 107 songs out of which 85 are with music notes. The book also consists of a chapter on Konkani people who have contributed to Bollywood.

The book will be soon be available for purchase online and with other distributors in India and throughout the Goan diaspora. Details will follow.

Mother Theresa and the Work of God

Mother Theresa and the Work of God

To celebrate the 100th Birth Anniversary of Mother Teresa, Carneiro Multi-Media Productions launched their maiden film based on the life story of Mother Teresa.
Present on the occasion was renowned tiatr personality, Rev Fr Nevel Gracias, Aldona MLA, Mr Dayanand Narvekar, Director of Information and Publicity, Mr Menino Peres, Mr Trojan D’Mello, producer, Milagres Carneiro, assistant producer, Antonio Fernandes, writer/director, Mahesh Rane and various other noted personalities from the film industry.
The function began with instrumental recitals. Fr Nevel Gracias, in his speech said that although Mother Teresa was a Christian, people of all faiths from around the world, had profound respect for her. He said that the saintly life she led was a strong factor that made the Church extol her and put her on the path to sainthood. He hoped that the film would inspire people to live for others rather than live for one’s own self.
Mr Dayanand Narvekar said that we tend to forget the good that people do. But it is through the efforts of individuals such as Milagres, that good people are remembered. He commented that no recent film made by any Goan producer has managed to achieve the mark of good old Konkani movies like ‘Amche Noxib’, ‘Nirmonn’ etc.
In his address, Mr Menino Peres, said that it’s wrong to say that Goans lack film culture, because Goans have shone in many film productions outside the state. He said that when IFFI first came to Goa, seeing the enthusiasm of the local filmmakers, the Government of Goa introduced a scheme whereby filmmaker would get monetary assistance of up to 50 per cent. Owing to some reasons, the scheme was stopped. But now the scheme is all set to be revived and an announcement in this direction will be made soon.
Producer, Milagres Carneiro modestly said that the work on the movie was not his own but rather it was the hand of God who was using him as his instrument. He said that Mother Teresa inspired him when he was 15 years old. So strong was the influence of Mother Teresa on his life that he wrote an operetta and a tiatr on her life, and now he is producing a film as well.
Mahesh Rane said that he never thought he would do a film on this subject. In fact he received three proposals to do a film on Mother Teresa from different producers. The third one was from Milagres. But it was the fire and intensity that he saw in Milagres’s eyes that goaded him to say yes. He said that after doing extensive research on Mother Teresa’s life which was not easy as not many biographies are written about her, he managed to create a concise story. My story is of a young Albanian girl who comes to India and faced hardships to bring joy to others. Mahesh enumerated the various travails Mother Teresa had to go through. He said, “She is not only a mother of a family but is also the mother of humanity. Many know about Mother Teresa but few know of the struggles she faced. This docu-fiction will throw light on this aspect of her life.”

http://www.navhindtimes.in/iexplore/mother-theresa-and-work-god

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‘Konkani Cinema Day’ on 24th April 2010

On the ocassion of ‘Konkani Cinema Day’ on 24th April 2010 jointly organized by Dalgado Konknni Akademi and Tiatr Academy of Goa, a new konkani film ‘Nisha’ produced by Neville Pereira will be screened at the Conference Hall of TAG, Campal Trade Centre, Campal, Panaji Goa.

The film features Nancy Gomes in the lead role with John D’Souza, Roseferns, Diana, Socorro de Santa Cruz, Benny J. Ribeiro in the supporting roles.

The show is open to public and Konkani cinema lovers are requested to witness the film.

On this ocassion an exhibition of the photographs of the first Konkani film ‘Mogacho Anvddo’ will also be displayed. The first Konkani film was written, produced, directed and acted by late A L Jerry Braganza who is known as the Father of Konkani Cinema.



Victor de Sa
(Member Secretary)

PORBIM SAT SOMDIR BHAIR RAVON!

MABROOK FROM SEVEN SEAS (SEVEN WONDERS)

PORBIM SAT SOMDIR BHAIR RAVON!

Ho dis odik mhotvacho zaunk amchi axea asli, amchem sopon aslem, ami Kuveittant sath (60) vorsancho somoromb goddoun haddpache vatter asle........

Amchea vaurant, amkam Somia Jezu Kristan bhorpur axirvad dila ani anikui ditolo. Amchem sopon purem zaunche vatter asa.

Araujo

Konkani Cinema Day on April 24

The Dalgado Konknni Akademi in collaboration with the Tiatr Academy of Goa will organise a special function on April 24 at 5 p.m. at the Conference Hall of the Tiatr Academy Goa, Campal Trade Centre, Panaji to commemorate the screening of the first Konkani film ‘Mogacho Anvddo’ on April 24, 1950 in Mumbai.
‘Mogacho Anvddo’ was written, produced and directed by A L Jerry Braganza from Mapusa, Bardez-Goa.
On this occasion an exhibition of photographs of the film ‘Mogacho Anvddo’ and ‘Sukhachem Sopon’, both films by A L Jerry Braganza, will he held. A newly released Konkani film ‘Nisha’ produced by Neville Pereira will be screened on the occasion.
Director of Information and Publicity, Mr Menino Pires will be the chief guest while film writer and director, Mr Dharmanand Vernekar will be the guest of honour. President of Dalgado Konknni Akademi, Mr Premanand Lotlikar and president of Tiatr Academy of Goa, Mr Tomazinho Cardozo will grace the occasion.
http://www.navhindtimes.in/iwatch/konkani-cinema-day-april-24

Dor Aitarak Vach AITARACHEO KATKUTLEO ani faleam Aitarak

Konkani Film Festival

Governing council members irked over ESG not holding Konkani Film Festival

PANAJI: Some of the members of the governing council of the Entertainment Society of Goa have taken serious objection to the step taken by the CEO of the ESG, Mr Manoj Srivastava, wherein he has sidelined the decision of the governing council to hold a Konkani Film Festival around April 24,
in commemoration of the screening of the first Konkani film, ‘Mogacho Aundo’ on this day and instead, organised the European Union Film Festival.
It may be recalled that at the 42nd governing council meeting of the ESG held on June 15, 2009, under agenda item no 9, the calendar of events of the ESG were put up before the council members by the CEO of the ESG. During discussion on the same, one of the senior most members of the governing council, Mr Tomazinho Cardozo had proposed that the ESG should host a Konkani Film Festival to mark the release of the first Konkani film on April 24, 1950, at Mumbai.
The proposal was unanimously approved by the governing council and the CEO of the ESG was supposed to take necessary action on the same. However, after almost 10 months of this decision, it was conveniently forgotten and no step was taken to host the Konkani Film Festival. On the contrary, the European Union Film Festival was organised on April 24.
Mr Tomazinho Cardozo, who had mooted the idea to hold the Konkani Film Festival eventually had to organise a Konkani Cinema Day on April 24 under the auspices of Tiatr Academy of Goa, headed by him.
Speaking to ‘The Navhind Times’, Mr Cardozo said that the idea to hold a Konkani Film Festival, which would either start or end on April 24 was proposed and approved at the governing council meeting of the ESG with the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat wholeheartedly supporting the concept. “However, some two weeks back, when I went to the office of the CEO of the ESG to find out about the preparations of the Konkani Film Festival, I was told that a European Union Film Festival was being held instead,” he added.
“I was really hurt by the response of the CEO as well as others holding responsible positions at the ESG, as they had dishonoured the decision of the governing council,” Mr Cardozo stated, further adding that he will not only follow up the matter and ensure that a Konkani Film Festival either begins or ends on April 24, from next year, but would also write a letter to the CEO of the ESG on April 26 in this matter. He further lamented that the ESG staff does not understand the emotions of Goans as attached to certain issues.
“The European Union Film Festival is a travelling film festival and could have been scheduled on some other dates so that Goans could have got best of both film festivals,” Mr Cardozo suggested. Mr Vishnu Wagh, another member of the governing council said that once a decision is taken by the council members, the ESG staff should take the same to its logical conclusion. “If the governing council decisions are just ignored, then why there should be a need for a governing council in the first place,” he questioned, stating that it is not the job of the governing council members to follow up their approved decisions.
“The general observation is that whenever benefits are to be given to Goans the priorities are changed in the negative direction, which is very bad,” Mr Wagh said, pointing out that his own approved proposal as regards honouring Mr Nilesh Naik, a rangoli artist for securing an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records by presenting him with Rs 1 lakh, was totally ignored. “It should be ensured that in the future any decision taken by the governing council of the ESG must be fully honoured and implemented, without any obstruction,” he concluded.
Yet another member of the governing council, Mr Vishal Pai Cacode when contacted told this daily that if any European country was to hold festival of films by its filmmakers, the decision would not have been changed to make way for an Indian Film Festival in that country. Mr Cacode also stated that certain events need to be held on those particular days as those days spell significance just as April 24 is a Konkani Cinema Day. When asked as to whether he knew about the screening of a 7-minute film on Al Jerry Braganza, the first Goan filmmaker of Konkani film, during the inauguration of the European Union Film festival, Mr Cacode said that he came to know about it only through the newspapers.



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Film festivals integrate humanity: Governor

Film festivals integrate humanity: Governor

Film festivals integrate humanity: Governor
HERALD REPORTER/ PANJIM, APRIL 24, 2010

Governor Dr S S Sidhu today stressed the need for larger exchange of artistic creations like films across the world saying it brings humanity together cutting across all barriers, through audio-visual media.
He was addressing the gathering at the opening ceremony of 15th European Film Festival which got underway at a glittering ceremony at Maquinez Palace, here.
Dr Sidhu said that cinema has tremendous capacity to unite people of the world by overcoming man-made barriers and expressed satisfaction that India is major cinema hub, being the largest producer of films in the world.
The governor said that the unique event of the film festival was yet another landmark achievement in our continuing efforts to strengthen international cooperation, friendship, understanding and economic progress, amidst many multi-dimensional challenges that we are faced with – whether political, economic and social. In this backdrop, he said the East and the West are rapidly intermingling and a never before in the past, making renewed creative and enduring effort to come closer.

The film industry, which is a powerful integrator of humanity and a contributor to economic and artistic progress of the nations, has a significant role to pay towards the noble cause of international peace, mutual understanding ,goodwill and fellowship, he said.
The governor further said that the delegation of European Union to India has started a new chapter of friendship and cooperation with Goa through this initiative. “I am sure that this film festival will bring best of European films which will provide detail perspective of life, problems, socio-cultural values of people of Europe”.
He said the European Union has provided us an opportunity to have a close look at the creative genius of its people by organizing the 15th European Unin Film Festival in Goa.
The venue – Goa- is appropriate in more than one way, he said emphasizing that Goa is developing its own film culture.
He further said that the film finance scheme is being reoriented by the state government. Goan actors, singers and musicians, he said, have contributed immensely to the Indian cinema.
At the festival, an audio visual tribute had been paid to Goa’s first film maker Al Jerry Braganza who made the first Konkani film Mogacho Anvdo more than 60 years ago. Goa, he said, has occupied a prominent place in the film festival.

http://www.oheraldo.in/news/Local%20News/Film-festivals-integrate-humanity-Governor/36178.html


____________

Governing council members irked over ESG not holding Konkani Film Festival
Published on: April 25, 2010 - 01:41

PANAJI: Some of the members of the governing council of the Entertainment Society of Goa have taken serious objection to the step taken by the CEO of the ESG, Mr Manoj Srivastava, wherein he has sidelined the decision of the governing council to hold a Konkani Film Festival around April 24, in commemoration of the screening of the first Konkani film, ‘Mogacho Aundo’ on this day and instead, organised the European Union Film Festival.
It may be recalled that at the 42nd governing council meeting of the ESG held on June 15, 2009, under agenda item no 9, the calendar of events of the ESG were put up before the council members by the CEO of the ESG. During discussion on the same, one of the senior most members of the governing council, Mr Tomazinho Cardozo had proposed that the ESG should host a Konkani Film Festival to mark the release of the first Konkani film on April 24, 1950, at Mumbai.
The proposal was unanimously approved by the governing council and the CEO of the ESG was supposed to take necessary action on the same. However, after almost 10 months of this decision, it was conveniently forgotten and no step was taken to host the Konkani Film Festival. On the contrary, the European Union Film Festival was organised on April 24.
Mr Tomazinho Cardozo, who had mooted the idea to hold the Konkani Film Festival eventually had to organise a Konkani Cinema Day on April 24 under the auspices of Tiatr Academy of Goa, headed by him.
Speaking to ‘The Navhind Times’, Mr Cardozo said that the idea to hold a Konkani Film Festival, which would either start or end on April 24 was proposed and approved at the governing council meeting of the ESG with the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat wholeheartedly supporting the concept. “However, some two weeks back, when I went to the office of the CEO of the ESG to find out about the preparations of the Konkani Film Festival, I was told that a European Union Film Festival was being held instead,” he added.
“I was really hurt by the response of the CEO as well as others holding responsible positions at the ESG, as they had dishonoured the decision of the governing council,” Mr Cardozo stated, further adding that he will not only follow up the matter and ensure that a Konkani Film Festival either begins or ends on April 24, from next year, but would also write a letter to the CEO of the ESG on April 26 in this matter. He further lamented that the ESG staff does not understand the emotions of Goans as attached to certain issues.
“The European Union Film Festival is a travelling film festival and could have been scheduled on some other dates so that Goans could have got best of both film festivals,” Mr Cardozo suggested. Mr Vishnu Wagh, another member of the governing council said that once a decision is taken by the council members, the ESG staff should take the same to its logical conclusion. “If the governing council decisions are just ignored, then why there should be a need for a governing council in the first place,” he questioned, stating that it is not the job of the governing council members to follow up their approved decisions.
“The general observation is that whenever benefits are to be given to Goans the priorities are changed in the negative direction, which is very bad,” Mr Wagh said, pointing out that his own approved proposal as regards honouring Mr Nilesh Naik, a rangoli artist for securing an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records by presenting him with Rs 1 lakh, was totally ignored. “It should be ensured that in the future any decision taken by the governing council of the ESG must be fully honoured and implemented, without any obstruction,” he concluded.
Yet another member of the governing council, Mr Vishal Pai Cacode when contacted told this daily that if any European country was to hold festival of films by its filmmakers, the decision would not have been changed to make way for an Indian Film Festival in that country. Mr Cacode also stated that certain events need to be held on those particular days as those days spell significance just as April 24 is a Konkani Cinema Day. When asked as to whether he knew about the screening of a 7-minute film on Al Jerry Braganza, the first Goan filmmaker of Konkani film, during the inauguration of the European Union Film festival, Mr Cacode said that he came to know about it only through the newspapers.

http://www.navhindtimes.in/news/governing-council-members-irked-over-esg-not-holding-konkani-film-festival


As published in gulf-goans e-newsletter.

Casting For a Konkani Film

From: Ashterwayne Productions
Date: Mon, Apr 26, 2010 at 2:28 PM
Re: Casting For a Konkani Film

Hi,

Looking out for fresh faces to act in a konkani film:

Email your Pics and Resume to: konkanifilms@ashterwayne.com

konkanifilms at ashterwayne.com

--
Ashterwayne Productions
www.ashterwayne.com

--
Goa-World
http://www.goa-world.com

The First Online Konkani Music Station - Started on March 14, 2000
http://www.live365.com/stations/61664

Konkani Video on You Tube
http://www.youtube.com/uly334

Gulf Goans Mailing List email :
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Mahableshwar
http://www.mahableshwar.com

St. Mary's High School - Mt Abu, Rajasthan India
http://www.abusms.com

"Konknni Cholchitram" launch interview

"Konknni Cholchitram" launch interview

Author Isidore Dantas speaks to Goa Sudharop's Shilla Almeida regarding the launch of his highly anticipated Konkani filmbook "Konknni Cholchitram" released in honour of Goa Sudharop's 10 year anniversary.

Shilla Almedia (SA): Please tell us a little about yourself.
Isidore Dantas (ID): I have been writing to Konkani magazines from the age of eleven. At present I am 62. I have contributed to Aitarachem Vachop, Udentechem Nekhetr, Vauraddeancho Ixtt, Sot, Divtti,. The Goan Sports Weekly, Gulab, Poddbimb. I now regularly write for Jivit in Roman script and for Uzvadd in Devnagri script. Whenever time permits I contribute to Goa Today, Gomantak Times and Sunaparant. My first book on Konkani proverbs was released in September 2007 entitled Vozram-a treasure trove of Konkani adages with English interpretation at the hands of the Goa Chief
Minister. In October 2008, I was awarded the Al Jerry Braganza Award for
the work on Konkani films again at the hands of Goa CM. Besides this, I regularly contribute to Akashwani, Mumbai. I have also written the sub-titles for the Konkani film DVD Bhuianrantlo Monis. I will be receiving the Fr Freddy da Costa Memorial award for Journalism instituted by Dalgado Konkani Akademi, Goa on 8th April 2010.

SA: What prompted you to write the book?
ID: Ten years ago, an editor friend of mine handed over me a daily newspaper from outside Goa which contained an article on Konkani films. When I browsed it, I found that it was incomplete. That is how I started to research on the subject. But it was not an easy task. I remembered that many films had been broadcast by Mumbai Doordarshan. When I enquired with them, I got a shock of my life. They informed me that since no one came to enquire about the films since last 15 years, they do not possess them any longer. Akashwani Mumbai and Akashwani Panaji do not have old records. National Film Archives of India, Pune has two Konkani films deposited with them but the whereabouts about the person depositing the same is not known. The task was completed with the assistance of Konkani enthusiasts all over the world.

SA: What does the title "Konknni Cholchitram" mean?
ID: The title represents Konkani films. Since "films", "cinema" are English words I have used the Konkani word which means moving images = movies.

SA: What is the book about?
ID: The research work is on celluloid Konkani films which consists of 282 pages all in colour with about 269 photographs. It comprises information on all 31 Konkani celluloid films produced. 23 films from Goa, 7 from Mangalore, 1 from Bangalore. It includes Black... produced in Kuwait and also the latest Poltoddcho Monis which won award at the Toronto Festival. The book contains 107 songs out of which 85 are with music notes. The book also consists of a chapter on Konkani people who have contributed to Bollywood.

SA: How and where can people purchase copies of "Konknni Cholchitram"?
ID: The book will be available for purchase online and with other distributors in India and throughout the Goan diaspora. Details will follow.

SA: Why should people purchase the book?
ID: The book covers all the Konkani celluloid films so far and contains details such as the story, the producer’s profile, photographs, songs some of which are with music notes. I was looking for a reference book on Konkani films which I could not find and hence decided to fill in the gap.

SA: Do you have any other planned publications?
ID: My next book entitled “Utorsod” will be released on 1st May 2010 in Goa. It comprises of a quiz of almost thousand questions on matters relating to Goa which are hidden in a maze.

SA: Would you encourage other Goans to publish their work?
ID: Publishing is very difficult. It is generally not financially viable since the Goan market is small. Fortunately George Pinto personally funded my book and obtained sponsors too. This is an innovative model which should make it more attractive for Goan authors to publish their work. Otherwise a lot of good material will go unpublished.

SA: Thank you for your time and good luck.
ID: Thank you, much appreciated.



[as forwarded by george j. pinto to gulf-goans e-newsletter)
www.goa-world.com