Casey Monteiro
Goa has been on the radar of Hollywood and foreign directors for a long time. Whether it’s for a location, or even basing its story on this coastal state, Goa features quite prominently among the favourite locations to shoot in India.
Here are five foreign films that were shot in Goa:
1. The Sea Wolves
This is a war film, directed by Andrew V McLaglen. Much before Goa could get a film shoot policy in place, the state was a preferred destination owing to its colonial architecture and scenic beaches.
The 1980 film stars Gregory Peck, Roger Moore and David Niven. It’s based on James Leasor’s book, Boarding Party, which is a real story that took place during the Second World War.
During the war, the Calcutta Light Horse, which was part of the Cavalry Reserve in the British Indian Army, sank a German merchant ship in Mormugao Harbour on March 9, 1943.
For logistic and creative purposes, in many of the movies shot in Goa, Goans become part of the films, too. For the film, Goa's renowned cartoonist, Mario Miranda was the creative assistant.
2. The Bourne Supremacy
This is the second film in The Jason Bourne film series and is an action thriller directed by Paul Greengrass.
Released in 2004, this film has its opening scenes shot in Goa. The protagonist’s secret hiding place is in Palolem. There’s a chase scene and a crash all shot in Goa. Goa’s heritage area, namely Fontainhas, is aptly captured on camera.
3. The Letters
This 2003 movie, directed by William Riead, is a biopic on Mother Teresa. It takes one on a journey through the saint’s life through series of letters which Mother Teresa wrote to her spiritual advisor.
Although she was based in Kolkata, the major part of the shoot has taken place in Goa because of the similarities and resemblance the state has to colonial parts of Kolkata.
4. From Dubrovnik to Goa
It’s not just feature length films that are shot in Goa. Foreign documentaries make it to the list, too, such as the recent one in 2022.
This documentary from Croatia, titled From Dubrovnik to Goa, traces the commonality – which is the celebration of the feast of St Blaise between Goa and the place Dubrovnik in Croatia.
Directed by Dragan Nikolic, the film captures the Sao Braz Church, in Gandaulim, and is seen in parallel to the Sveti Vlaho Church in Dubrovnik Croatia.
5. Last Hippie Standing
Last Hippie Standing is a 2001 documentary film made by German filmmaker Marcus Robbin.
It’s about Goa and compares the state when the hippies were here to the time their presence waned. It has vintage footage and also interviews of those who throw light on this transformation over the years.