‘Konkani Cinema Day’to be observed today

‘Konkani Cinema Day’ will be celebrated on April 24 at 5 p.m. at the black box, Kala Academy, Panaji to commemorate the screening of the first Konkani film ‘Mogacho Anvddo’ directed by All Jerry Braganza on April 24, 1950, a press release said.

The president of Goa Konkani Academy, Mr Pundalik Naik will be the chief guest. The Chief Minister’s Press Liaison Officer and chairman of the Draft Committee of the Scheme for Production Assistance for Films, Mr Pramod Khandeparkar, will be the guest of honour.

The president of Dalgado Konkani Academy, Mr Wilson Mazarello will preside over the function. The Director of Information and Publicity, Mr Menino Peres and member secretary of Kala Academy, Dr Pandurang Phaldesai will grace the occasion.

The first full length Konkani film ‘Mogacho Anvddo’ was produced by All Jerry Braganza, a native of Mapusa under the banner of Etica Pictures (Exchange Talkies of India, China and Africa). The film was based on the novel ‘Mogacho Anvddo’ written by Dioginho D’Mello.

Mr All Jerry Braganza, a pioneer in the field of Konkani cinema, who besides producing the film also acted in the lead role, is called the father of Konkani cinema. The function which is open to public is organised by Dalgado Konkani Academy in collaboration with Kala Academy and department of Information and Publicity, the press note adds.