‘Meraki by the Sea’, which is part of the Goan Films section at IFFI, traces Marius Fernandes’ efforts to showcase Goan culture through festivals
CHRISTINE MACHADO
Marius Fernandes needs no introduction. Fondly known as ‘Goencho Festakar’, Fernandes has promoted Goa’s culture and traditions through grassroots festivals such as ‘Matiechem Fest’, ‘Ambeachem Fest’ and ‘Baattachem Fest’. Now, the ‘festival man’ is being honoured at the ongoing IFFI in a film directed by Himanshu Singh.
Singh, whose four previous films have screened at IFFI, first met Fernandes during the shooting of his documentary ‘Memoirs of the Mangifera’, which premiered at IFFI 2024. “During the shoot, he shared his knowledge of the plants and flowers around the location. I asked him, ‘How do you know so much about these plants?’ and he replied, ‘Because I never went to school’. That answer intrigued me,” recalls Singh. Learning about Fernandes’ approach to festivals, which emphasises inclusivity, heritage, culture and sustainability, Singh decided to make a film on him.
Titled ‘Meraki by the Sea’, the film will premiere on November 26. “It is an experimental docu-montage that mixes documentary footage with recreated scenes from Fernandes’ life,” explains Singh, adding that producer Dr. Gwendolyn De Ornelas helped the team connect with people who have been part of Fernandes’ journey. “Communities in Socorro village, Porvorim, Panaji, Ponda, and Arambol shared their memories with us,” adds Singh. The team also included stock footage from Fernandes’ festivals.
“The main challenge was editing, as we had many memorable moments. I had to make hard decisions with my editor, Shubham Aware,” he says.
He describes the film’s premiere at IFFI as motivating for the entire team. “I have dedicated this film to ‘all those hearts who make the world smile and spread the idea of togetherness’. I hope it inspires people and shows that it is just a myth that the task of preserving heritage, promoting sustainability and doing environmental friendly events is a costly affair,” he says. “Marius has proved that individuals who connect and contribute can make a real difference.”
