Goa basks in the glory of two emerging film makers at Cannes

PANJIM: In a momentous occasion for Indian cinema, two emerging filmmakers from Goa have made their mark on the international stage at the Cannes Film Festival, held annually at France. 

Akshay Parvatkar and Suyash Kamat, representing the vibrant talent pool of Goa, have garnered attention and accolades for their respective contributions to the world of cinema.

Akshay Parvatkar, an alumnus of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), was selected for the prestigious Cannes Film Festival as part of a fellowship programme initiated by Walkers & Co in collaboration with Film Companion. His participation in ‘The Walkers Project’ aimed to empower emerging filmmakers to craft stories that ignite social change and foster inclusivity. 

Mentored by industry stalwarts, including Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga, Akshay embarked on a journey to create a short film centered on the ethos of ‘Keep Walking’. 

His experience at Cannes was enriched through guidance from luminaries such as Anu Rangachari, Deepti D’Cunha and Christian Jeune from the Cannes Film Festival.

Meanwhile, Suyash Kamat, a promising cinematography student from the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), had the honour of gracing the red carpet at Cannes as part of the team behind the film ‘All We Imagine as Light’. 

Directed by Payal Kapadia, this cinematic masterpiece has been selected for the prestigious main competition section, marking a significant milestone as the first Indian entry in this category in three decades. Suyash played a vital role as the Director's Assistant and Second Unit Cinematographer, contributing his expertise to a film now in contention for the coveted Palme d'Or, the highest prize awarded at the Cannes Film Festival.

Suyash has been a part of the film industry in Goa for over eight years and his short film ‘Marisoul’ was also screened at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in 2017. His short film, ‘Sadabahar’, was selected by Netflix India in 2022.

In 2021, Akshay’s short film ‘The First Wedding’ won the ‘Best Film’, ‘Best Director’, ‘Best Editing’ and ‘Best Actress’ awards at the ‘Filmfare Short Film Awards’.

The achievements of Akshay and Suyash underscore the immense talent and potential within the Indian film industry, particularly from the State of Goa. 

Their presence at Cannes not only celebrates their individual accomplishments but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring filmmakers across the nation. 

As their journeys continue to unfold, Goa eagerly awaits the cinematic treasures they will unveil, further enriching the global landscape of cinema.