Rs 25 lakh prize for Shetgaonkar HERALD NEWS DESK/PANJIM, SEPT 21 Chief Minister Digambar Kamat announced cash prize of Rs 25 lakh for Goan film maker Laxmikant Shetgaonkar for winning the Critique's Award at the Toronto International Film Festival for his movie Pula Poltodddcho Munis (Man Beyond The Bridge). This decision was taken in the governing body meeting of the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) held in Panjim on Monday.
http://tiff.net/filmsandschedules/films/manbeyondthebridge The chief minister said that this is a proud moment not only for Goa but for entire India. This award has contributed to take Konkani beyond the national boundaries and will serve as great inspiration for the budding filmmakers of Goa. Kamat expressed happiness over the fact that this was the first ever Konkani film to have won laurels in an international event held outside the country, even though the Critique's Award is only consolatory in nature and cannot be equated to Golden Peacock Award or alike. It is important to note that the film showcases the village traditions and beliefs seriously while casting a jaundiced eye on those who exploit them. The entire film is shot in villages of Goa. The ESG governing body decided to honour Shetgaonkar with a cash reward to enable him to produce films of high standard in the near future and will soon organise a special function to honour the directors as well as his team of story writers, screen play writer, music director and other artistes from the film.. Press and Media Advisor Vishnu Surya Wagh also expressed happiness over Shetgaonkar's success terming it as the honour for local talent. Shetgaonkar had earlier too won laurels for Marathi short film Eka Samudra Kinari. However, he refuted allegation that this was a slap on the face of Information Department. He said, the department was in no way connected in the selection or rejection of scripts/screen plays that were submitted by Goan film makers three years ago. It was the selection committee comprising of experts from various fields that selected 21 scripts for financial assistance, Wagh stated, according to press release issued here. The governing body of the ESG also deliberated on various issues related to the organization of IFFI 2009. Manoj Srivastav, CEO apprised the members about the meeting held between ESG representatives and officials of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. http://www.oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=27673&cid=2
