Doha hosts first-ever preview of Konkani film 'Nachoaea Kumpasar'
Daijiworld Media Network - Doha
Doha Feb 24: The first-ever preview of Konkani film 'Nachoaea Kumpasar' outside India was organized by Goan Welfare Association at Radison Blu hotel here on Saturday February 23.
GWA's dynamic president and community leader Simon D'Silva welcomed the gathering and introduced film's director Bardroy Barretto and music director Jackson Pereira. Jackson Pereira,Oswald Pinto and Jockhim Barretto also shared the dais.
Presented by Goa Folklore Productions, 'Nachoaea Kumpasar' is a Konkani musical feature film that is a tribute to Goan music. It celebrates Goan music through the eyes of the erstwhile legendary musicians of 1960s and 70s. The film will enthrall Konkani audiences as it delves into 22 timeless Konkani songs that have become classics among the Konkani speaking population. The story is a nostalgic creation of their lives. It is also about the journey of these wonderful musicians from obscurity to legendary status.
To top it all, famed choreographer Longinus Fernandes, best known for 'Slumdog Millionaire', has choreographed for this movie.
'Nachoaea Kumpasar' was shot in the month of October and November, 2012. Friends and Family, including NRIs have been the biggest contributors in the process of making this film. Their love and affection has been the ‘spirit’ behind this mega Konkani feature film.
As the movie is set in the 1960s & 70s, the Costumes, Styling, Jazz Club environment of that era had to be carefully recreated, to transport the audience into that period. Having completed the shooting the film is now in the post-production stage. Like the visuals, the sound design of the film also plays a significant role. Great care has been taken to reproduce the live big band sound.
During the course of making this film, the affection and dedication shown by some of Konkani stage stalwarts like Prince Jacob, John D’ Silva, Matthew Araujo, Leno Fernandes etc. need a special mention.
'Nachoaea Kumpasar' has been a long journey that began about 8 years ago. Now the team is in the final stage of their journey. The Konkani speaking population, having grown up listening to these Konkani classics, will now be able to see these classics come alive on the big screen.
About the director
Director of the movie Bardroy Barretto is a native of Galgibaga, a village in south Goa. In the year, 1987, he moved to Bombay to pursue his interest in film-making. A career that began as an assistant to a cameraman, he did not take long to shoot several projects on his own, thus getting a firm foot in the industry. He soon established himself as an editor, and served as senior editor for Crest Studio followed by USL (a branch of UTV Productions). He has won several awards as best editor at the national and international broadcast events including silver and gold medals for various works with MTV, and Channel V.
His feature credit as an editor includes his design for `Paanch’, and editing the entire feature
'Missed Call’ which was screened at the Cannes Film Festival in the 2007. In the year 2002, he branched out into Directing TV commercials. By 2004, he established a boutique production house, 'Brown Skins', and under that banner continues to direct several TV commercials for Hindustan Level, P&G, Bajaj Auto, Britannia, HDFC Bank, Tata Life Insurance, ITC, Vodafone, Virgin Mobile, etc. His film for Orange (now Vodafone), Godrej Shaving Cream and Gelusil won Gold medals at the Abby Awards, India.
Excerpts from the interview with Bardroy Barretto during the press meet:
Tell us briefly about the movie.
This movie is based on the rumours of the life of Chris Perry And Lorna. The main intention is to promote Konkani and change the perception of Konkani films.
Does this movie convey any message?
There is no message. This movie is based on the music of 60’s & 70’s and especially jazz music that was alive in Goa, to promote Goan culture and music and the way it has moved forward. Music is in the blood of Goans and this movie shows the journey of music.
Why did you choose Qatar as location for premiere show of this movie?
I did try to approach the Goan government bodies but there was zero feedback. So wanted to chose a location where Konkani is more alive so it gets a better response. I went around but then found Konkani is more alive outside Goa especially in the Gulf and approached through friends and family found Qatar suitable as they promote Konkani culture a lot. It is sad to say that the present generation in Goa do not want to speak in Konkani and it was hard to find Konkani actors who were willing to act .
Why did it take 8 years to start production? What is the budget and when do you plan to release the movie?
I had to do a lot of research and gather information as this is based particularly on rumours. I met around 200 musicians of different times to gather jazz music information in the past. There are jazz musicians even now in Goa, jazz is alive there but they do not have a backbone for support. We finished shooting within 3 months.
Budget of the movie is Rs 2.5 crore. We have kept it to the minimum and this was possible because of some who have contributed in kind - to name, the make-up artist who gave free service, and choreographer Longinus did not charge us.
We plan to release the movie in May 2013. Lot of post production work, editing, etc is yet to be done.
What are the release plans? Will the release be done on a big scale and everywhere? Where will the premiere of this movie be?
There are no release plans – but it will be released to the Goan or Konkani diaspora where Konkani speaking people are present. It will not be given to the distributors.
Premiere will be done wherever I get support - it can be Qatar too if you support us.
Will the sound track be released?
Yes, the music CD will be released soon.
How will it be promoted? Any advertising plans?
No, it will be not promoted as advertisement on TV but only through social media/word of mouth just to keep the cost down. Also, many people know about it as the crew of more than 100 from Mumbai were moving from house to house within Goa, they used to come to see the shooting and used to appreciate it. They are aware of the movie.
Music clippings that were shown had European flavour like Spanish/Mexican type of dances and it is not Goan culture. How do you connect it to promoting Goan culture?
Yes, because Goan music is influenced from the Portuguese as they were in Goa until 1961. We have spoken to people who have lived in that era, that was the Goan culture in those days which we have shown in the movie.
Congratulations on the great direction and editing. Whom is this movie targeted at - which generation – is it the older, present or future generation?
We have not targeted any generation - it is only for promoting Goan culture, a celebration of music, presenting the lives of older singers. The story of the movie is mostly shown in music form, that’s why there are 22 songs in sequential form narrating the story.
Is the music original? Have the rights been taken from the original singers?
The music used now is from the old collection and this music has to be reproduced, as over the years, the music quality is not good, hence original music cannot be used. The songs are all old numbers itself. The songs will be sung by the young and new talents.
Music rights have been taken from HMV.
What is your next plan? Can we expect any other movie too ?
As of now there is no new plan. We need to wait for the success of this movie and watch how it will be accepted. There are around 50 people who are involved in this production so anyone can continue depending on the success.
We greatly appreciate the work in this movie, great presentation of emotions from the actors and a great direction. Congratulations. Are they Konkani speaking actors? Also, as a suggestion - there are books available on Goan independence and history, so how about producing a movie on this story so that the younger generation will know about it.
Thanks. Sad to say they are non-Konkani speaking actors but they have done a great work. Regarding the suggestion, I leave it to others.
How about the promotion of this movie in Mangalore? In Mangalore, there is Mandd Sobhann which is promoting Konkani culture – have you approached them?
We are trying to get in touch with people from Mangalore too to promote it there. In fact, we are looking out for a Mangalorean male singer to sing for this movie.
The following leading media persons participated in the press conference: Gulf Times,The Peninsula,Qatar Tribune, Al-Sharq, Al Rayyah, Al Arab and Daijiworld.com. Prominent persons and community leaders attended the preview show.