Margao-Goa: “Nachom-ia Kumpasar” means “Let’s Dance to the Rhythm”-a national award winning Konkani film by Bardroy Barreto, has made its entry for the Oscar awards, making the world of Konkani proud once again. This is one among the three Indian films that have been listed in the ‘Reminder List of Productions for the 88th Academy Awards’ 2016 for eligible releases.
The second Indian film is ‘Hemalkasa’ in Marathi, which was earlier released as Prakash Baba Amte. ‘Jalam’, a Malayalam film by M Padmakumar, is also included in the list that has been released on the official website of Academy Awards. ‘Court,’ the official entry of the Government of India of the exemplary Marathi film, did not make it in the list.
Since Nachom-ia Kumpasar was not selected by the Government of India for Oscar, the producers had sent its entry privately. It has been now shortlisted among 309 films chosen from all over the world in different languages. The producers had sent the entry in two categories –the Background Music and Foreign Film. The entire film crew is overjoyed that a Konkani film has been made at the Oscars for the first time in the film history of Konkani cinema.
Nachom-ia Kumpasar as well as two other films in Marathi and Malayalam were not even considered by Government of India while choosing its official entry for Oscar. ‘Court’ was selected by beating Rajkumar Hirani’s ‘PK’, Neeraj Ghyaywan’s Cannes winner ‘Masaan’, Omung Kumar’s ‘Mary Kom’, Vishal Bharadwaj’s ‘Haider’, M. Manikandan’s ‘Kaaka Muttai’ and SS Rajamouli’s ‘Bahubali’.
In case “Nachom-ia Kumpasar” is selected in the foreign film category, it would be watched by a special screening committee made up of members from all branches, to select the films for nominations. However, in general category, almost 6000 members would select the films to be nominated.
Nachom-ia Kumpasar, till date, has won seven awards at different international film festivals and three national awards. In the lead roles are Vijay Maurya and Palomi Ghosh; Prince Jacob and John D’Silva. Talented Ester Noronha-actress from Mangaluru has lent her voice to one of the songs in the movie. The film features well-known actors from Goa namely comedian Natto, Samy Braganza, comedian Kenny, Selwyn Braganza, Roy Menezes, Abdonio, Meena Leitao, Mathew Araujo, Meenacshi Martins, Carmo Santos and Roque Lazarus amongst others.
