As the Goan community, irrespective caste, creed or religion, gear up for the exposition of the sacred relics of St Francis Xavier, popularly known as ‘Goencho Saib’, Consua, Verna-based Agnelo Fernandes has worked upon a Konkani film titled ‘The Candle Still Burns’, based on the life, works and miracles of this missionary saint.
Agnelo began researching on this mega project in 2016-17 by going through several books in order to gain an insight about the missionary works carried out by St Francis Xavier in different parts of the world, including Goa. And after substantial material was collected, he decided to go forward and work on the film, with the penning of lyrics of the songs in 2018.
Way back in 2019, when the world was gripped by the pandemic, Agnelo says that his work on the film came to halt. And due to the long break thereafter, many actors backed out. But in 2022, when work started in all earnest, trust in God and fervent prayers thereafter helped in tracing the lead actor in Brijesh Kakodker.
Under the banner ‘Manfil Productions’, Agnelo will be releasing his Konkani film ‘The Candle Still Burns’ at the Verna Church hall on October 22. It will be released at the hands of the Auxiliary Bishop, Rev Simiao Purificacao Fernandes and in the presence of Rector of Basilica of Bom Jesus, Fr Patricio Fernandes.
Written, produced and directed by Agnelo Fernandes, the man behind the entire project says that the work of the shooting had already begun before Covid-19, but everything came to an abrupt halt on account of the pandemic. “And then to revive everything from the scratch post-Covid was a tedious job,” he continues, “many disappointments and heartaches followed, but God guided throughout and shooting, editing concluded in October 2024.”
With service as a catechist in his parish church, Our Lady of Livre Febres, for over 25 years, gaining knowledge about different saints and sharing it with others, especially the future generation, through films has always captivated Agnelo Fernandes. “There’s a big challenge for research work on the life of saints,” he added. Earlier, he laid focus on another son of the soil, St Joseph Vaz and released a feature film ‘Paulam’ in 2011.
When asked what inspired him to give an English title for his forthcoming Konkani film, Agnelo said that he wanted a wider audience to watch and know more about St Francis Xavier. “Although the title is in English and the entire film is in Konkani, there are subtitles for the convenience of wider audiences across the globe,” he informs.
Agnelo also reveals that there are 13 songs included in the film, with all compositions by the writer, director and music set by Fr Peter Cardozo and sequenced by Pravin Naik. One song has lyrics in Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam languages incorporated in it. And one adoration hymn in Japanese has also been included in the film.
With regards to the cast, Agnelo shares that he picked up many artistes from neighbouring villages including Agassaim, Cortalim, Verna, Consua and other places. “As St Francis Xavier had two roommates with him,” he continues, “the role of Ignatius de Loyola will be played by Fr Melito D’Souza and Peter Faber by Fr Mario Noronha.”
Sharing his experience about the film and casting himself as St Francis Xavier, actor Brijesh Kakodker says, “This film came to me unexpectedly which I now feel was in my destiny. The journey of making this film has taught me great lessons about life, about resilience, about gratitude, and a sheer determination of dedicating your life to a goal you set for yourself.” “This definitely is one of the best journeys as an actor I have embarked on,” the lead actor continues, “Thank you blessed St Francis Xavier for making me feel worthy to play as you in front of the camera. And thank you for carefully protecting and guiding me.”