Student-made film documents enduring legacy of tiatr

Panaji: As the Konkani drama form, tiatr, completes 134 years, a group of third-year students of Don Bosco College, Panaji, have created a documentary, ‘Saath Podde – Every Curtain Tells A Story’. The film documents veterans of the tiatr stage and captures the art form through interviews, backstage moments and live performances.

Student Siya Chodankar, who directed the short film, said it is set to begin doing the rounds of various film festivals soon.

“The film offers an in-depth exploration of one of Goa’s most cherished performing arts traditions, documenting its history, evolution, and enduring relevance in contemporary society. Through the voices of veteran tiatrists and extensive research into the art form, the documentary seeks to preserve and celebrate the legacy of tiatr while introducing its cultural significance to newer generations and wider audiences,” Chodankar said.

The film was produced as a final-year project under the guidance of Archie Fernandez at Don Bosco College and is a creative effort by a team of students. Prachi Shirodkar served as assistant director and narrator.

The team was almost entirely a female crew, said college teacher Mario Pimenta, who co-developed the screenplay. Cinematographers were Saisma Naik, Jeshawn Fernandes, Cayfel Almeida, and Winona Luis, while editing was undertaken by Naik, Fernandes and Chodankar.

“Tiatr is more than just a theatrical art form; it is the heart and soul of Goan culture, reflecting the state’s history, identity and community spirit. For over a century, it has provided a platform for Goans to celebrate their heritage, address social issues and preserve their cultural traditions. As tiatr marks 134 years, ‘Saath Podde – Every Curtain Tells A Story’, made by a woman-led creative team, it offers a fresh perspective on tiatr,” said Pimenta.

The documentary explores historical experiences that influenced the development of the art form, the language of tiatr, its impact on Goan society, and the challenges and opportunities facing the industry today, he said. Saath Podde follows a seven-act narrative structure inspired by the traditional format of a tiatr performance.

“The documentary aims to highlight tiatr’s importance as a cornerstone of Goan identity,” said Pimenta.

The film features interviews with seven personalities from the tiatr fraternity: Tomazhino Cardozo, the first president of Tiatr Academy of Goa; John D’Silva; Fr Milagres Dias; Prince Jacob; Denzila Menezes; Rose Ferns, known as the King of Centuries; and veteran tiatr and natak actor Shantaram Pawar.