Konkani Film 'Ancessao' Wins Best International Short at IFFSA

In October 2025, the Konkani film 'Ancessao', directed by Manguirish Jagdish Bandodkar, has won the prestigious Best International Short Film award at the 14th edition of the International Film Festival of South Asia (IFFSA) held in Toronto, Canada. The festival showcased 120 films in 22 languages from South Asia, including features, short films, and documentaries.

The 30-minute film 'Ancessao' explores the frame of mind of an elderly Goan woman living a lonely life in her village home. Prashanti Talpankar, who played the lead role of the old woman, has also been awarded the Best Actor prize in the international category of the film festival. The film delves into the woman's anguish, as she finds solace by gossiping about others and meddling in their affairs, though she sometimes displays feelings of guilt as well.

IFFSA praised 'Ancessao' for its "tonal balance, rich character work and deeply human gaze", making it stand out among the diverse selection of films showcased at the festival.