Goa-based independent filmmaker Jay Amonkar has been awarded with the Tagore International Award 2026 in the category of Visual Arts – Film Directing, recognising his outstanding contribution to independent cinema.
The award was presented by Art Culture and Social Award Council based in Delhi that recognises one person from every state for their contribution across various fields such as literature, art, medical science and others.
An engineer by profession, Amonkar is known for his versatility as a writer, director, editor, music composer, lyricist, actor, and technician. His films explore human emotions, social issues, and Goa’s rich cultural heritage. His debut short film ‘Prarabdha’ was officially screened at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Another film of his ‘Manas’ (produced by Dr. Vijju Sanzgiri) earned several national and international awards. Amonkar also became the first Goan filmmaker to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke International Cine Award earlier this year.
“The selection for this award was not based on the number of films or prizes. While my overall body of work was considered, my film ‘Manas’ was one of the major highlights,” says Amonkar, who has just completed another film titled ‘A Medium Piece’. This film has already been screened at two film festivals. At one festival it received a Jury Mention, while at the Asian Independent Film Festival in Hyderabad it won the awards for Best Film, Best Director and Best Actor.
While all his three films have been in Marathi, he recently he completed shooting for his first Konkani film titled Limelit’ which like ‘A Medium Piece’ has been backed by Big Banner Entertainment.
Besides films, Amonkar has directed nine music videos. “All the music videos are story-driven. We never made videos that were simply about music and dance,” he shares.
