As the Goan community, irrespective of religion, began gearing up for the exposition of the sacred relics of St Francis Xavier – popularly known as Goencho Saib – Verna-based Agnelo Fernandes dreamt of working on a Konkani film based on the life and works of this great saint.
Fernandes started research on this big project before the Covid-19 pandemic by reading several books in order to gain insight into the missionary work carried out by St Francis Xavier in different parts of the world, including Goa.
After gathering substantial material, Fernandes decided to work on the film so that more people around the world could gain a deeper understanding of this saint.
Under the banner of Manfil Productions, Fernandes will release his Konkani film, The Candle Still Burns, at the Verna Church hall on October 22, 2024. It will be released at the hands of the Auxiliary Bishop of Goa and Damão archdiocese, Simiao Fernandes, and in the presence of the rector of Basilica of Bom Jesus, Fr Patricio Fernandes.
Written, produced and directed by Agnelo Fernandes, the man behind the entire project said that the work of the shooting had already begun before Covid-19, but everything came to a standstill on account of the Pandemic.
“And then, reviving everything from scratch post-Covid was a tedious job. Many disappointments and heartaches followed, but God guided us to find the right person to play the lead role, in addition to other cast in the film,” he added.
Serving as a catechist in his parish for over 25 years, gaining knowledge of Goa’s saints and sharing it with others through films has always fascinated Agnelo Fernandes. Earlier, he had focused on another son of the soil, St Joseph Vaz.
When asked what inspired him to give an English title for a Konkani film, Fernandes said that he wanted a wider audience to watch the film and learn more about St Francis Xavier.
“Although the title is in English and the entire film is in Konkani, there are subtitles for the convenience of a wider audience across the globe,” he informed.
Agnelo Fernandes, the man behind the entire project said that the work of the shooting had already begun before Covid-19, but everything came to a standstill on account of the Pandemic.
Fernandes also revealed that there are 13 songs in the film, with all the compositions being written, directed and set to music by Fr Peter Cardozo sfx. One of the songs in the film incorporates Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam, while an adoration hymn in Japanese has also been included.
Regarding the cast, Fernandes shared that he selected many artistes from neighbouring villages, including Agassaim, Cortalim, Verna, Consua and other nearby areas.
“As St Francis Xavier had two roommates with him,” Fernandes continued, “the role of Ignatius de Loyola is played by Fr Melito D’Souza, and that of Peter Faber by Fr Mario Noronha.
Sharing his experience about the film and his role as St Francis Xavier, actor Brijesh Kakodker said, “This film came to me unexpectedly, which I feel was in my destiny. The process of making this film has taught me great lessons about life, about resilience, about gratitude, and a sheer determination to dedicate your life to a goal you set for yourself.”
“This is definitely one of the best journeys I have embarked on as an actor,” the lead actor said. “Thank you, blessed St Francis Xavier for making me feel worthy to play you in front of the camera. And, thank you for carefully protecting and guiding me.”
Agnel Fernandes’ earlier productions include Axirvad Devacho (2007) based on family, Amcheach Hatant Asa (2009) based on social issues like land grabbing, conversion, audio album Paulam (2010), short documentary on freedom fighter Prof Carlos da Cruz (2010), state-award winning film Paulam (2011) based on the life of St Joseph Vaz, short documentary Star of Goa (2012) available on the Youtube channel and audio album The Candle He Lit (2019).