Row over Konkani film ‘Juze’ rating under Goa Film Finance Scheme
Margao: Questions have been raised over the Entertainment Society of Goa’s (ESG) recent classification of the Konkani film Juze under the “C Category” of the Department of Information & Publicity’s Film Finance Scheme.
Former ESG member Vishal Pai Cacode termed the decision “a setback for Goan cinema” and urged Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant to review the categorisation and ensure that deserving films receive fair evaluation.
Directed by South Goa filmmaker Miransha Naik, Juze has had an extensive international journey. The film was an official selection at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, considered among the leading global festivals. It went on to win the Special Jury Award at the Minsk International Film Festival, Best Debut Director at the Innovative International Film Festival, and Best Director at the Singapore South Asian Film Festival. Screenings also included Hong Kong, Cork, Dublin, Mumbai, IFFI Goa, and the New York Indian Film Festival. Altogether, Juze travelled to 25 national and international festivals and won 14 awards at the Tenth Goa State Film Festival.
Mr. Pai Cacode recalled that similar issues had arisen in the past, citing the case of filmmaker Laxmikant Shetgaonkar’s Paltadcho Manis, whose script was initially rejected by the Goa government but later went on to win the National Award after being produced by the National Film Development Corporation.
He said that such instances underline the need for greater transparency and consistency in the implementation of the Goa Film Finance Scheme. “It is important that the scheme functions as an instrument to encourage Goan filmmakers, with clear, merit-based criteria,” he observed.
Mr. Pai Cacode also reiterated his earlier concerns about the organisation of the last three editions of the Goa State Film Festival, which he said were conducted without valid government notification.
Stakeholders in the local film industry have been calling for a comprehensive review of the Film Finance Scheme to ensure that it effectively promotes Goan cinema and reflects its achievements on national and international platforms.
