Gurjaolab
GurjaoLab researches early DNA changes to advance cancer prevention through genomics and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Sakshi Ramnathkar
Sakshi Ramnathkar creates intimate, authentic films exploring human emotion within India’s independent cinema scene.
Volume 4 Issue 12 December 2025
Ambert Dsouza evolves as a Goan poprock artist, blending global influences with dynamic performances.
Mesty Desouza
Mesty Desouza crafts expressive fashion content as a creatormodel rooted in authenticity and boho style.
Ambert Dsouza
With December wrapping Goa in its celebratory spirit, this month’s edition of Being Goan highlights stories of innovation, artistic depth, and the farreaching impact of Goan brilliance. Each feature celebrates individuals and institutions whose journeys remind us that curiosity, creativity, and courage can shape extraordinary futures.
This month’s cover story highlights GurjaoLab in Montreal, led by Dr. Carino Gurjao. Pioneering cancer research, the lab studies early DNA changes to advance prevention-focused science—showcasing how Goan talent drives global breakthroughs.
This issue also features Goa-born filmmaker Sakshi Ramnathkar, whose intimate, character-driven films reveal subtle human truths, earning her recognition in India’s independent cinema scene.
Celebrating Ambert Dsouza, a rising Goan pop-rock artist whose global style, refined production, and powerful performances with K7 are shaping Goa’s music presence in 2025.
Fashion lovers will enjoy our feature on Mesty Desouza, a Goa-born fashion creator and model whose boho-chic aesthetic, technical background, and genuine storytelling have earned her meaningful collaborations. Her work encourages individuality, reminding young creators to find beauty in their own voice.
Next, we dive into In cinema infrastructure, MFSCDC highlights Mumbai Film City’s robust ecosystem, supporting regional cinema, economic growth, and the shift toward hybrid AI-driven production models.
Goa’s Serendipity Arts Festival, where Panjim comes alive with music, theatre, visual art, and performances. Celebrating creativity, inclusivity, and global artistic exchange, the festival turns the city into a vibrant, welcoming cultural hub.
Closing this issue, we explore Goa’s offbeat side—tranquil villages, serene beaches, lush nature trails, and authentic cultural experiences offer travellers peaceful escapes and a deeper connection to the state’s heritage and natural beauty.
Join us in celebrating Goa’s vibrant stories, from entrepreneurs to artists, each contributing uniquely to our community. Let their journeys inspire you to follow your passions and pursue your dreams with determination.
Well, that's all I have for you from my desk this month. I hope you enjoy reading this month's issue of our e-magazine. Do share it with your friends all across the globe.
Until next month, cheers!
Jessyl Fernandez Editor
01 GurjaoLab
02 Sakshi Ramnathkar
03 Ambert Dsouza
04 Mesty Desouza
05 Smt. Smita Patil
06 Moments of Serendipity
07 Offbeat Places in Goa
Introduction
Goa, the tiniest state on the western coast of India, boasts golden pristine beaches, palmfringed avenues, flavourful food, delicious Portuguese-influenced sweets, and warm, hospitable people. Also known as the Ibiza of India for its partying. A tropical paradise of flora and fauna, from the very famous 'almi' (mushrooms) endemic to its forests, that grow only on the red mud anthills, to the solar prawns that are fished immediately after the monsoons, Goa is unique. Tourists are also attracted to Goa for its cultural heritage - from the famous old Portuguese churches like Se Cathedral in Old Goa, the 16th Century Safa Masjid in Ponda and Shree Mangesha Temple in Mardol, the legendary Arvalem or Pandava Caves where the Pandavas of the Mahabharat fame lived, to its two unique festivalsCarnival and Shigmo. Goa plays host to many festivals - the International Film Festival of India that promotes cinema, the Serendipity Art Festival, Sunburn Music Festival, The Grape Escapade to name a few. To showcase this varied heritage of culture, art, tradition, food, and people, in 2015 ItsGoa was born. The main aim was to make it the premier portal for all things Goa. We were able to showcase Goa like never before. Soon our blog-based website transcended the virtual space, with the ItsGoa magazine – a sought-after resource for visitors to Goa from countries like Norway, Germany, UK, USA, UAE, etc.
Editorial Team
Chief Editor
Jessyl Fernandez
Sales
Donald Fernandez
Content & Social Media Saviola Dias Renata Fernandes
Graphics & Layout Latisha Govekar
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ItsGoa Media Group
Nordic Intent HQ - Floor 3, PDA Colony, Porvorim, Goa 403521
Email: mail@itsgoa.com Website: itsgoa.com
hotel Lua Nova
If holidays are inspired by nature and your thirst for rustic solitude and inner peace, Lua Nova is the hotel your heart was yearning for.
Located at Goa's celebrated holiday capital at Baga, it overlooks a beautiful Canvas of village Goa, just 5 minutes walk from the Baga Beach.
GurjaoLab, led by Dr. Carino Gurjao in Montreal, studies early DNA changes that spark cancer, advancing preventionfocused research through interdisciplinary collaboration, cutting-edge genomics, and a culture of curiosity and integrity. cover feature
www.itsgoa.com itsgoa_ Itsgoa
Article by: Team ItsGoa
Images by: GurjaoLab
At the University of Montreal, a new research group is taking shape, one with an ambitious mission to understand cancer before it begins. Founded by Dr. Carino Gurjao, a scientist with deep Goan roots and a passion for unraveling complex biological questions, GurjaoLab focuses on the molecular events that silently unfold long before cancer becomes detectable.
In just six months, the lab has already positioned itself as a rising force in the field of early cancer prevention and precision oncology. Dr. Carino also acknowledges the deep influence of his roots, with his father, Gaspar Gurjao, hailing from Agacaim, and his mother, Piedade Dias Gurjao, from Ambelim near Assolna.
A New Research Vision in Montreal
Montreal has emerged as a thriving hub for scientific innovation, making it an ideal home for GurjaoLab. As Principal Investigator, Dr. Gurjao leads a growing team of researchers committed to studying the subtle DNA changes that initiate cancer development. These early alterations, often invisible for years, hold immense potential for transforming how we prevent, detect, and treat the disease.
At the core of the lab’s mission is a simple but powerful idea: understand the earliest molecular shifts in DNA, and use that knowledge to guide next-generation cancer therapy and prevention strategies.
The team investigates DNA damage, genomic instability, and the biological “field” that allows tumours to take hold. By studying these early events, they aim to map the earliest stages of cancer initiation and identify genetic markers that can predict an individual’s risk years before symptoms arise.
This focus is motivated by a striking reality: an estimated 70% of cancers are believed to be preventable, yet prevention research receives only a fraction of global funding. GurjaoLab aims to address this imbalance by placing prevention and early detection at the forefront of its work.
The Scientific Question That Shapes the Lab
Dr. Carino Gurjao’s family
Dr. Carino Gurjao
Conference in Grenoble, France 2025
Understanding Cancer Through DNA
Cancer is fundamentally a disease of the genome. Over time, DNA in healthy cells accumulates damage, and some of these changes can trigger uncontrolled growth. GurjaoLab studies these initial mutations using advanced sequencing technologies and computational tools that reveal patterns previously undetectable.
Rapid advances in genomics and falling DNA sequencing costs have empowered the lab to analyze far larger datasets, detect microbial signatures inside tumours, and uncover rare DNA alterations that were once impossible to pinpoint. These insights are essential for designing targeted therapies and predicting who may benefit most from specific treatments.
Current Research and Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Although still young, the lab is actively pursuing a series of collaborative projects. These initiatives involve experts from microbiology, surgery, epidemiology, and clinical research, reflecting the inherently interdisciplinary nature of cancer science. Each project pushes the team into new directions, requiring innovative methods and diverse scientific perspectives.
GurjaoLab’s work emphasizes building foundational datasets and analytic tools that will pave the way for future breakthroughs. While discoveries take time, the groundwork being laid today is crucial for answering some of cancer biology’s most difficult questions.
Launching the Lab: Challenges and Momentum
Starting a research group poses challenges beyond scientific complexity. For Dr. Gurjao, the most demanding aspect has been learning to manage people, creating an environment where researchers feel supported, motivated, and able to grow.
Securing over 5 crores in funding from Canadian agencies has enabled the lab to pursue long-term projects, invest in cutting-edge technology, and attract skilled scientists. These resources give the team the freedom to ask bold questions that require patience and sustained inquiry.
A Culture Built on Curiosity and Integrity
Dr. Gurjao’s leadership philosophy centers on curiosity, honesty, and resilience. He values researchers who bring creativity to the lab and are unafraid to confront uncertainty, qualities essential for navigating the nature of scientific discovery. The culture at GurjaoLab is intentionally collaborative and evolving, shaped by the team’s shared commitment to rigor and communication. Interdisciplinary synergy is not just encouraged, it is essential to every project undertaken.
Whale Watching in Quebec, Canada 2025
Hiking on Itsukushima island, Japan 2024
The Future of Cancer Prevention
GurjaoLab envisions a world where cancer care shifts from reactive treatment to proactive prevention. A significant part of that future lies in decoding the “predisposing field”, the biological landscape that allows tumours to form. If scientists can understand this environment, prevention strategies could be transformed on a global scale.
In Dr. Gurjao’s view, the long-term impact of early detection research could be revolutionary. Identifying high-risk DNA changes decades before cancer develops may allow interventions that dramatically reduce disease incidence worldwide.
Challenges and the Pace of Scientific Progress
Studying the earliest DNA changes remains one of the most difficult challenges in oncology.
These initial alterations are rare and easily lost in large datasets, requiring highly sensitive technology to detect. Despite long research timelines, the pace of progress in cancer science remains exhilarating. Breakthroughs in immunotherapy, targeted treatments, and screening technologies over the past two decades continue to inspire the team’s work.
Growing the Lab and Looking Ahead
As GurjaoLab expands, its direction will be guided by the data it uncovers. New projects, grants, and collaborations are already underway, each bringing fresh expertise and reshaping the lab’s scientific trajectory.
Over the next few years, the team aims to deepen its understanding of tumour ecosystems, genomic instability, and microbial influences, fields poised to redefine cancer prevention and treatment.
A Human Perspective on Cancer Research
Beyond the science, Dr. Gurjao emphasizes the importance of compassion and accurate public understanding. One misconception he hopes to dispel is the belief that preventable cancers are a result of personal fault. Biology, genetics, environment, and chance all interact in complex ways, and no one is to blame for their diagnosis.
His advice for the next generation of scientists is straightforward: Find mentors who care, because the scientific journey is challenging, but deeply rewarding.
Joining the Research Effort
The lab is preparing to launch its official website, where aspiring PhD students and analysts can learn more and apply to join the team.
Future updates will be shared through university channels and the lab’s upcoming digital platforms.
Dr. Carino Gurjao
Sakshi Ramnathkar
Sakshi Ramnathkar, a Goa-born filmmaker, crafts intimate, character-driven cinema rooted in authenticity, emotion, and subtle human truths, earning recognition in India’s independent film scene.
filmmaker
Article by: Team ItsGoa
Images by: Sakshi Ramnathkar
In a world where stories often chase spectacle, Sakshi Ramnathkar stands out for her insistence on authenticity. An engineer by education and a filmmaker by instinct, the Goa-born director has shaped a voice that represents honesty and the subtle intensity of human experience. More than career, for her, cinema is the most natural way to express the thoughts and truths she carries within.
Where the Journey Began
Sakshi’s shift from engineering to film making didn’t follow a dramatic turning point. Instead, it emerged from a simple but profound realisation: stories were the only space where she felt entirely present. Film became the medium that allowed her to linger inside those moments, to expand them, and to share them with the world.
Her creative sensibilities draw from filmmakers who treat emotion and atmosphere as central characters. Luca Guadagnino’s intimate gaze, Martin Scorsese’s ability to uncover emotional depth within sprawling worlds, and David Lynch’s enigmatic strangeness have all shaped her understanding of cinema. These influences echo in her work, subtle, atmospheric, and deeply instinctive.
Crafting a Voice in Independent Cinema
Sakshi began making films in 2024 and considers herself early in her journey. Yet, her work carries the confidence of someone who knows what she wants to say. She gravitates toward drama—not out of constraint, but because it allows her to explore character-driven storytelling even with limited resources.
Her directorial style is grounded and intimate. Performances guide the emotional landscape, and the mood of each frame is crafted with care. She avoids unnecessary noise, choosing instead to let silence, small gestures, and lived-in details drive the narrative forward.
Notable Works and Recognition
Two films in particular, A Gust of Wind and Sty, have defined Sakshi’s creative voice. Both emerged from honest observations and demanded vulnerability, vision, and trust in her instincts.
Her work has earned widespread recognition across India’s film festival circuit. She has been honoured with Best Screenwriter at the Goa Short Film Festival and Best Female Director at the Waves International Film Festival Goa.
Sakshi Ramnathkar
shooting ‘Sty’
Sakshi Ramnathkar — Goa’s finest female director
Her films have also been selected at multiple prestigious events, including the Waves Film Bazaar Viewing Room at IFFI 2025, the Waves International Short Film Festival Dehradun, the 11th Goa Short Film Festival, and the Great Message Short Film Festival.
One of her most meaningful milestones came when she was chosen as a screenwriter for Creative Minds of Tomorrow at IFFI 2025, a coveted platform for emerging talent in Indian cinema.
Inside Her Creative Process
Sakshi’s storytelling begins with small truths, moments she notices in the world around her. These fragments become seeds from which characters emerge organically, without forced complexity or excessive design.
Collaboration, for her, is built on transparency. She ensures her sets are spaces where cast and crew feel heard and valued. This sense of comfort, she
One of her toughest challenges came with Sty, a film created within an intense 60-hour time frame, shot across multiple locations, and hinged on a final reveal that had to be executed flawlessly. She navigated the pressure by holding on to the film’s emotional core and placing unwavering trust in her team, proof that precision and intuition can coexist even under extreme deadlines.
Facing the Unpredictability of Film making
Creative differences and production setbacks are inevitable in any film. Sakshi approaches them with calm pragmatism. She listens, evaluates what best serves the story, and makes choices rooted in clarity rather than panic. For her, film making is a collaborative art, one that thrives when people feel safe to share their ideas.
The Vision Ahead
Sakshi is drawn to ordinary people and the intensity that lives inside their seemingly simple lives. Her films act as mirrors, pausing on moments we tend to overlook.
Her long-term vision is bold yet grounded, to keep creating braver, larger, and more personal films. She hopes to collaborate with people who resonate with her journey and aims to expand into feature films, art-house cinema, and select advertising projects. Above all, she wants her work to remind others that artistic expression is always worth the risk.
Sakshi Ramnathkar
sakshi directing ads
Ambert Dsouza
Ambert Dsouza, a rising Goan pop-rock artist, blends global influences, disciplined production, and dynamic performances with K7, earning 2025 recognition while continually evolving his craft.
singer
Article by: Team ItsGoa
Images by: Ambert Dsouza
From school competitions to being recognised as one of Goa’s standout bands in 2025, Ambert Dsouza has built his artistic journey on passion, persistence, and a deep love for music. Known for his dynamic vocals, evolving style, and commitment to continuous improvement, Ambert represents a new wave of Goan artists blending global influences with local talent.
A Childhood Spark That Became a Calling
Music entered Ambert’s life early. As a child, he regularly participated in singing competitions, and often won. Those initial victories became more than encouragement; they revealed a path he knew he wanted to follow. What began as a hobby quickly grew into a lifelong pursuit, shaping him into the artist he is today.
A Sound Rooted in Pop and Rock Influences
Ambert’s musical identity draws strongly from Imagine Dragons, Coldplay, and other artists known for high-energy performances and emotionally charged songwriting. Their impact is clear in his blend of pop and rock elements, creating a sound that balances power with melody. These influences continue to guide his artistic evolution and the level of stagecraft he aims to reach.
Crafting Music: A Process of Emotion, Reference, and Precision
Songwriting for Ambert is a fluid, intuitive process. He begins by immersing himself in music that matches the mood he wants to create, whether it’s a heartfelt pop track or an upbeat, energetic piece. Inspiration determines the direction, and from there, lyrics and melody emerge together. Once the core idea is solid, he moves through production, mixing, and mastering with clear intention, refining each layer until the final sound aligns with his vision.
A Wide Lens of Inspiration
One of Ambert’s strengths is his openness to diverse music. He draws ideas from YouTube, often discovering songs in different languages or unfamiliar genres. This broad exposure keeps his creativity fresh and helps him craft music that feels unique and unpredictable.
Balancing Creative Flow With Technical Mastery
For Ambert, creativity and technical execution go hand in hand. Research fuels inspiration, while disciplined production work shapes his ideas into finished songs. By approaching his craft step by step, he maintains clarity in both the artistic and technical aspects of music-making.
Live Performances With K7: Practice, Energy, and Connection
Performing live, with his band K7, is one of Ambert’s greatest joys. Every show carries its own story, whether through unexpected challenges, vibrant audiences, or memorable interactions.
Ambert Dsouza
K7 Band Goa - Versatile band for every occasion
and translate his concepts into polished tracks. The comfort and familiarity of his studio environment help him stay focused and creative.
Recognition and Career Milestones
One of his proudest achievements came in 2025, when his band was featured as one of Goa’s best by several media platforms, including Bharat 18, Bombay Today, Bollywood Zoom, and Daily Beat.
This recognition validated the group’s hard work and highlighted K7’s growing impact on the Goan music scene.
Before each performance, the band rehearses thoroughly, even if the set list is familiar. This preparation ensures confidence on stage and strengthens their connection with listeners.
When challenges arise during live events, Ambert remains calm and steady, believing that composure is key to handling unpredictable moments.
A Creative Sanctuary: The Home Studio
Ambert’s home studio plays a central role in his artistry. This personal workspace allows him to experiment freely, develop ideas without pressure,
Dreams of Future Collaborations
Although he hasn’t collaborated with other artists yet, Ambert is eager to do so. He believes in the creative spark that comes from working with new voices and is open to future partnerships that can expand his musical landscape.
Connecting With Fans in the Digital Age
Social media has become a crucial channel for Ambert and K7. Through Instagram and YouTube, they keep fans updated, share music, and build a loyal community. Many of their bookings, especially for weddings and events, come through online visibility and word of mouth, a testament to the trust listeners place in their live performances.
Staying Motivated in a Competitive Industry
Ambert’s motivation comes from continuous exploration. He believes inspiration is everywhere, it simply requires confidence and curiosity to keep experimenting. Whether by researching new genres or refining his production skills, he stays driven by the desire to grow.
Guidance for Aspiring Musicians
For young artists, Ambert offers simple but powerful advice: embrace new ideas, be patient, and don’t fear mistakes. Success in music, he believes, comes from persistence and the willingness to learn through the ups and downs.
Live at Oktoberfest
fashion creator & model
Mesty Desouza
Mesty Desouza, a Goa-born fashion creator and model, blends technical training, authenticity, and boho-chic style to craft imaginative content, achieve notable collaborations, and inspire individuality in fashion.
www.itsgoa.com itsgoa_ Itsgoa
Article by: Team ItsGoa
Images by: Mesty Desouza
Mesty Desouza’s journey in fashion began in Goa, where her passion for style developed at a young age. She pursued her higher secondary education at Carmel College in the vocational stream of Commercial Garment Designing and Making (CGDM), which gave her early hands-on experience in clothing construction. Her interest in the field led her to Belgaum, where she completed a degree in Fashion Technology, followed by a year of advanced study at NIFT Mumbai. These academic experiences equipped her with technical knowledge, industry insights, and a deep appreciation for fashion as both craft and communication.
Discovering Her Creative Identity
While her formal training shaped her understanding of garments and design, Mesty’s true expression emerged when she stepped in front of the camera. Experimenting with styling, poses, and visual storytelling, she discovered a new way to channel her creativity. Content creation and modeling allowed her to live the art she studied, transforming fashion into a personal language. Her natural comfort with the camera gradually turned her creative experiments into a growing career in the digital space.
A Journey of Full-Circle Moments
Some of her most meaningful achievements come from witnessing her personal growth. She vividly remembers admiring luxury spaces from a distance as a child, curious about what lay inside. Today, she collaborates with premium restaurants and brands, creating content in spaces she once only dreamed of entering. Working with talented artists and creators from Goa and across India has further shaped her journey. One of her favorite projects is an upcoming music video in which she appears in the lead, a milestone she considers both empowering and unforgettable.
Influences That Shaped Her Style
Mesty’s fashion inspiration stems from bold, imaginative creators. She admires Komal Pandey’s fearless play with silhouettes, textures, and colors, a style philosophy that resonates with her own.
Indoor shoot featuring artistic makeup, soft lighting, and expressive frames
Her sister also plays a major role in shaping her aesthetic, often sending pieces from the UK that she mixes with her local finds. Her personal style can be described as boho, hippie, and chic, with a strong DIY element. She enjoys street shopping and believes that creativity matters more than expensive labels. By reinventing simple garments, layering thoughtfully, and adding her own twists, she creates looks that are individualistic and expressive.
What Makes Her Stand Out
Authenticity is at the heart of Mesty’s work. She brings emotion, intention, and originality to every shoot. Often styling her own outfits, she uses her creativity to make the most of what she has, proving that impactful fashion relies on vision, not budget. Her grounded nature and genuine personality resonate with audiences, setting her apart in an industry that often pressures individuals to conform. She remains committed to staying real, resourceful, and true to her artistic voice.
Moments from mesty’s lifestyle shoot at Grand Hyatt Goa
Views on the Evolving Fashion Landscape
Mesty is excited about the direction in which fashion is heading. The industry’s shift toward individuality, inclusivity, and sustainability aligns perfectly with her values. She appreciates today’s emphasis on mixing high and low fashion, creative layering, and personal expression. These changes make fashion more accessible and inspiring for emerging creators.
Staying Inspired and Updated
She stays connected to trends by following designers, influencers, and fashion shows. More importantly, she experiments with her own styling, allowing creativity to guide her learning. For Mesty, observation and experimentation go hand in hand, keeping her content fresh and authentic.
Health, Routine, and Balance
To maintain her energy and confidence, Mesty focuses on home workouts and staying active through walking. She believes that physical wellbeing supports creativity and helps her stay balanced, especially with the demands of shooting and content creation.
Notable Collaborations and Career Highlights
A standout moment in her career is her involvement as the lead in an upcoming music video, a collaboration with creators from Mumbai and Goa. This project holds a special place in her journey, marking her growth and expanding visibility in the entertainment and fashion space.
Advice for Aspiring Models and Creators
Mesty encourages beginners to believe in their individuality and practice regularly. She stresses the importance of confidence, consistency, and resilience. Rejection, she says, is part of the process and should be treated as a stepping stone rather than a setback. She also advises staying cautious about industry scams and surrounding oneself with Her goal is to pursue fashion influencing full-time, continuing to express herself and inspire others through her content. She prefers to focus on the present, choosing daily growth over distant predictions. Her vision is to keep learning, improving, and creating meaningful work that reflects her
Mesty Desouza’s story reflects dedication, imagination, and authenticity. From her early fashion training to her evolving career as a model and creator, she continues to redefine what it means to express oneself through style. Her journey serves as an inspiring reminder that true fashion is not defined by luxury, it is crafted through creativity, confidence, and an honest connection to one’s own story.
A vibrant Indian look, with rich colors, intricate detailing, and eyes that carry the essence of emotion, making the frame truly captivating
Questions & Answers
smt. SMITA PATIL
MFSCDC highlights Mumbai Film City’s role in supporting film making through infrastructure, economic growth, regional cinema development, and evolving into hybrid physical–virtual production hubs despite rising AI technologies.
Article & Images by: Team ItsGoa
The Maharashtra Film Stage and Cultural Development Corporation Limited (MFSCDC) showcased the highlights of its film city infrastructure in Mumbai at the recently concluded International Film Festival of India (IFFI), emphasising how its signature cinema ecosystem provided a fillip to regional cinema, film infrastructure and talent development.
The Corporation’s participation highlighted how Maharashtra, anchored by a multilingual film culture, continues to function not only as one of India’s most influential creative hubs in the country, but also as a nursery for regional cinema.
Bollywood is already so entrenched in Mumbai. What was the need to develop a Film City?
Even though Mumbai is the heart of Bollywood, film making demands controlled, reliable spaces and the city’s increasing urbanisation has made outdoor shooting challenging.
A Film City was developed to bring all essential production resources together in one professionally managed ecosystem. Our vision is to provide a larger space where sets can be erected without legal or logistical hurdles. At Mumbai, Karjat and Kolhapur we have ready-made permanent locations such as forests, lakes, bungalows, roads, and villages.
We have the supportive infrastructure like sound stages, equipment, security, and post-production facilities. A single-window clearance system to reduce delays and costs. In short, a Film City is created to streamline the production process and ensure filmmakers don’t have to battle congestion, permissions, and rising real-estate challenges across Mumbai.
What are the positive spin-offs for a district/state/ region that hosts a Film City?
Hosting a Film City has multiple economic and cultural benefits, generates steady local employment; technicians, carpenters, costume designers, caterers, drivers and boosts tourism, especially if iconic sets or locations become public
attractions. Encourages ancillary industries such as hospitality, transport, and equipment rental and draws investment from production houses, OTT platforms, and ad agencies. This helps promote local culture, art, and language through increased content creation and encourages start-ups in animation, VFX, post-production, and creative technology.
Also improves local infrastructure; roads, communication networks, utilities, creates a streamlined administrative ecosystem for permissions and shooting logistics. Overall, a Film City acts as an economic multiplier and a creative catalyst for the region.
What incentives does a Film City offer to film industry stakeholders?
Film Cities typically offer a mix of financial and infrastructural incentives subsidised shooting rates for long schedules, discounted packages for regional cinema or student filmmakers and state-backed rebates on production costs (where applicable).
Basically controlled environments that save time and reduce unpredictability, access to locations that would be difficult or impossible to secure in urban areas.
Basically, single-window permissions for shooting, security, parking, logistics and crowd management. Availability of skilled crew in-house or through affiliated networks. The goal is to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and simplify the entire production life-cycle.
Do you think hosting a Film City in Goa will create a positive spin-off for Konkani regional cinema?
Yes, it has the potential to be transformative—if implemented with a clear strategy. A Film City in Goa could provide affordable, accessible infrastructure for Konkani filmmakers attract regional talent who currently migrate to Mumbai or Hyderabad, increase visibility of Konkani stories by bringing in more productions and co-productions, encourage film schools, workshops, and training programs, post film festivals, cultural exchange, and tourism linked to cinema.
Goa already has strong tourism branding and a globally recognised film festival. A Film City could anchor a full-fledged creative economy, giving Konkani cinema a stronger platform and more consistent output.
In the age of AI, where technology can create videos on demand, will Film Cities remain relevant?
AI will change film making, but it will not eliminate the need for Film Cities—rather, it will evolve their purpose.
Why Film Cities Will Still Matter; Physical sets offer authenticity that is hard to replicate for certain genres, actors and directors still rely on real
environments for performance chemistry, large-scale productions (historicals, action films, big-budget dramas) need physical infrastructure. Many international productions prefer real locations for tax incentives and credibility.
How Film Cities Must Evolve; Integrate virtual production stages (LED walls, XR environments), Offer hybrid spaces for AI-assisted film making and CGI, provide training centres for AI tools, unreal Engine, VFX, and volumetric capture, create data and asset libraries for AI-driven pre-visualisation.
Film Cities of the future will be mixed-reality hubs, combining physical sets with cutting-edge virtual production technologies.
Serendipity Arts Festival in Panjim transforms the city into a multidisciplinary arts hub, celebrating music, theatre, visual art, and performances, fostering inclusivity, local engagement, and global artistic exchange. Article & Images by: Team ItsGoa
Thank you for the music…and the art, craft, performances, theatre andmore…Serendipity!
Samira Sheth
Once a year, towards the end of December, the tiny city of Panjim is re-imagined as a megalopolis of the arts. Its streets, parks, buildings, beachfront, maidaans and the Mandovi river become hubs of reinvigorating art activity. It’s not unusual to find neglected buildings including the Old GMC, the Adil Shah Palace, the Directorate of Accounts or even the Azad Maidan and Miramar beach filled with art, sculptures, installations or music and theatre performances - these various nodes of the city connected by the pulsating power of the arts, by the annually held Serendipity Arts Festival (SAF).
2025 will see the 10th edition of this multidisciplinary festival of the arts. On the eve of this milestone edition, when I pause to think back over the last nine editions of Serendipity what do I remember?
I remember conversations with the late Hanif Kureishi of the St+art India Foundation at the waste terminal he repainted for the Festival; or with Solomon Souza, the renowned artist FN Souza’s grandson, as he spray painted murals of famous Goans on walls peppered through Goa. I remember wonderfully warm opening nights in the early years of SAF, particularly a dinner catered by Anisha Hasan of Saligao Stories, a meal I still relish; dipping into a cheese soup overlooking a barge taken over by performance artist Nikhil Chopra anchored along the Mandovi riverfront; stumbling upon graphic artist and designer Orijit Sen’s delightful installation Mapping Mapusa Market laid out over the floors of the Adil Shah Palace; meeting senior artist Gulammohamed Sheikh at a rare exhibition of Bhupen Khakhar’s works; bumping into photographer Dayanita Singh while waiting for a festival shuttle; listening to poet Salil Chaturvedi on the SAF shuttle radio, gently urging us travelers rushing between Festival events to take a moment and listen to a poem by slyly placed poets in select
taxis; sailing down the Mandovi to beautiful music on River Raaga with Shubha Mudgal onboard; keeping up with the energy of The Bells by 5AngryMen; grumbling about the long lines for Qasar Padamsee’s theatre performances; racing from one venue to another, trying to breathlessly partake of the lavishly laid out buffet of the arts that is Serendipity Art Festival; or quietly taking a coffee break with a random stranger brought to Goa’s shores by SAF-so many memories come crowding in.
I remember blocking off my dates in December specially for the art festival, snatches of conversation sharing tables with strangers, running into an old friend one hadn’t seen in a while, casually turning up in Nagalli Hills to take in bharatnatyam or rap or a breathtaking performance by late maestro Zakir Hussain or more recently listening to still feisty Usha Uthup sing to a packed audience – all of these treats brought to us completely free! I remember learning to see Goa with new eyes through insightful artworks by painters Sonia Sabharwal and Chaitali Morajkar at a show curated by Vivek Menezes; watching the atmospheric Money Opera curated by Amitesh Grover in an unnamed abandoned building; viewing Ai Wei Wei’s lego version of The Water Lilies stretched through an entire room; Anjana Somany’s sumptuous craft display Srijan, Dr. Jyotindra Jain bringing us a delicately crafted bounty of work by folk artists – so much has happened and so much has come to Goa through the last decade, through almost ten years of an arts festival that has changed our cultural landscape in deep artful ways.
Serendipity Art Festival’s commitment to this wide spectrum of artistic practice is truly one of its most significant strengths. It’s rare to see a festival where one can experience everything from an interactive visual installation to a performance art piece and a live jazz concert within a few hours and even rarer that this bounty is largely free and open to all, where art is treated as an experience not as a commodity. To the dismay of many in the last few years, some events are now ticketed and chargeable but that’s understandable given the larger audiences the festival is attracting.
And while I enjoy the buzz and the breathlessly caught breaks between art events; and marvel at the juggernaut of art activity rolling through Panjim activating these old buildings, parks and grounds into sites of artistic activity and at how many people turn up now compared to the earlier emptier days, I have to confess I miss the earlier emptier days when one could just turn up without prebooking and preregistering to a festival experience and there weren’t so many people and queues and quite so much to catch and do! The scale and scope of the festival has grown tenfold and can feel a bit overwhelming at times.
Ten years is a long time and to see Mr. Sunil Kant Munjal’s generous patronage and the core team fine tuning our experiences at different venues year after year, one wonders at the sheer energy of the SAF team and their dedication to bringing us something new, something different with each iteration of the festival. It was particularly heartwarming for instance, to see more space for artists of disability in the last edition and it would be wonderful to see continued growth and inclusivity. Of course, for a festival of this magnitude, there are bound to be challenges, logistical strain among them.
There is a sense of disjointedness, particularly when there isn’t enough time or space for attendees to fully engage with each experience. I would love to see more Goa based artists and homegrown designers at the new Fashion segment. And while the sheer wealth of diversity and global collaborations is hugely appreciated, there is a lingering sense in Goa that the programming could benefit from engaging local communities in the curatorial process to foster deeper connections between the festival and its host region.
There are constructive suggestions to include locals not just as viewers but as active participants in exhibitions, workshops and events that are more rooted in Goan culture and in local languages, for example, to help bridge this gap and continue to evolve SAF into a more inclusive and immersive experience for everyone.
Despite these critiques, the festival stands as a cultural cornerstone for both the people of Goa and beyond. For me and many in the arts community, it’s a space where both the traditional and the contemporary, the global and the local, the established and the emerging, the popular and the profound, and divergent genres and ideas come together in unexpected, often serendipitous ways. It is hard to always get the mix just right but then again as Bhupen Khakar’s marvelous painting, which I often quote, says ‘You Can’t Please All’.
Thank you Serendipity – not only for the music, art, performances, food, theatre and more over the last ten years but for bringing us all together in the name of the arts. I’ve already blocked my dates this year!
- Samira Sheth is a Goa based art writer and curator.
Offbeat Places in Goa: Quiet Villages & Hidden Beaches
Goa’s offbeat side offers tranquil villages, serene beaches, rich nature trails, and authentic cultural experiences, giving travellers peaceful escapes and a deeper connection to the state’s heritage and natural beauty.
Article & Images by: Team ItsGoa
Beyond its postcard-perfect beaches and energetic tourist hubs, Goa holds a secret world that many travellers are yet to discover. Tucked away from the usual trails are villages where time moves gently, beaches where waves meet untouched sands, and backwaters where life follows the rhythm of nature. This quieter side of Goa reveals a landscape shaped by traditions, community warmth, and raw, unfiltered beauty. For those willing to wander off the map, Goa opens up as a peaceful sanctuary, one filled with stories, silence, and soulful experiences waiting to be explored.
The Charm of Goa’s Quiet Villages
1. Aldona
Often described as one of Goa’s most beautiful villages, Aldona is surrounded by lush fields, rivers, and old Portuguese homes. The historic Corjuem Fort, bridge, and tranquil village lanes make it perfect for cycling and nature walks. Aldona offers a glimpse of slow Goan life at its finest.
2. Divar Island
Just a short ferry ride from Old Goa, Divar Island remains untouched by mainstream tourism. Its winding roads, centuries-old homes, quiet churches, and scenic hilltops create a peaceful escape. The island’s charm lies in its simplicity, with nature, history, and village life blending harmoniously.
3. Chorao
Home to the famous Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Chorao Island offers mangrove forests, river backwaters, and abundant wildlife. Kayaking through its waterways at sunrise is one of the most serene experiences in Goa.
4. Netravali
Located in South Goa, Netravali is a nature-rich village with bubbling ponds, waterfalls, spice plantations, and dense forests. It’s ideal for trekkers, nature photographers, and travellers seeking a deep connection with Goa’s greenery and wildlife.
Explore the Beaches of Goa
Ashwem
Ashwem is one of North Goa’s most peaceful beaches, known for its soft sand, calm waves, and relaxed atmosphere. It’s perfect for travellers seeking quiet cafés, boutique stays, and long, crowd-free walks by the sea.
Palolem
Palolem in South Goa offers a blend of tranquillity and beauty with its crescent-shaped coastline and palm-fringed shores. The beach is ideal for kayaking, dolphin spotting, and enjoying serene sunsets away from heavy tourist traffic.
Morjim
Morjim is famous for its tranquil ambience, quiet beach stretches, and as a nesting site for Olive Ridley turtles. The area combines nature, wellness retreats, and laid-back cafés, making it perfect for peaceful getaways.
Benaulim
Benaulim is a calm South Goa beach known for its clean coastline, soft sands, and relaxed local vibe. It’s great for leisure walks, beach side dining, and experiencing Goa’s slower, more authentic coastal life.
Authentic Experiences in Offbeat Goa
Village Walks & Heritage Trails
Many villages offer guided walks through old homes, churches, temples, and farmlands. These trails reveal Goa’s history, traditions, and architecture beyond the tourist lens.
Backwater Kayaking & River Cruises
Exploring Goa’s rivers, mangroves, and backwater channels offers a peaceful alternative to crowded tourist cruises.form.
Local Markets & Traditional Goan Cuisine
Hidden cafés, bakeries, and home-run kitchens in villages like Moira, Saligao, and Velim serve delicious Goan food made with fresh, local ingredients.
Nature Treks & Waterfalls
Offbeat regions like Sanguem, Netravali, and Canacona offer treks to waterfalls, spice farms, and forest viewpoints far from typical tourist trails.
Why Explore Offbeat Goa?
Offbeat places in Goa allow travellers to slow down and truly connect with the state, its people, landscape, and heritage. Unlike the crowded beaches and party hubs, these quieter spots offer:
Peace and privacy
Local culture and authentic Goan life
Nature-filled experiences
Unique photography opportunities
Sustainable and meaningful travel
Exploring these hidden gems gives travellers a deeper understanding of Goa and supports local communities that preserve its traditions and natural beauty.
A Different Side of Goa Awaits
Goa’s offbeat destinations remind us that there is far more to the state than crowded tourist hubs. Venture a little beyond the usual routes, and you’ll find quiet beaches, timeless villages, forest trails, and communities that preserve Goa’s authentic charm.
These serene corners offer travellers a slower pace, a deeper connection with nature, and a chance to rediscover Goa in its purest, most soulful form.
