Rons Bantwal
Mumbai, Jul 6: The much-awaited Konkani film ‘Fondacho Mister’ was screened with grandeur on Sunday morning at Sangam PVR Cinemas, Chakala, Andheri East, as part of a noble initiative by the St John Konkani Community (SJKC) to raise funds for its health aid project benefiting underprivileged patients.
The fundraiser was held under the aegis of St John the Evangelist Church, Marol, where the SJKC operates, and saw an enthusiastic turnout from prominent Konkani leaders, entrepreneurs, clergy, and art patrons.
Gracing the occasion were Fr Victor Martis, parish priest of St Vincent de Pallotti Church, Vijaynagar, Marol; Fr Andrew Alva; and prominent businessman Gabriel Mendonca Belman, managing director of Gabriel Electricals Pvt Ltd. They were joined by Walter D’Souza Kalmadi (Jerimeri), president of Maharashtra Konkan Association; Jerry Lewis Belman, MD of Glen Electricals Pvt Ltd; Paul D’Souza, director of Denroy Estate; and Valerian Lobo, a well-known leader from Chakala (Nakre). The dignitaries lauded SJKC’s continued efforts in supporting health causes and praised the use of art for charity.
The spotlight of the event, Fondacho Mister, is a project by Ryan Fernandes (Magneto), who impressively served as writer, editor, director, and producer. The screening was made memorable with the presence of lead actor Lester Jon Nazareth, actor Wilson Pinto Kateel, and organiser Wilson Pinto Mundkur. SJKC president Sunita Suares honoured them with bouquets in recognition of their artistic contribution and solidarity with the cause.
The film, presented under the Ryan Magneto Films banner, is a well-crafted collaboration featuring co-writer Dr Melwin Pernal, cinematography and production management by Alwyn Siqueira, music and background score by Prajoth D’Sa, sound design by Rosh Fernandes, and lighting support by Lexxa Lightings.
Key community members who worked behind the scenes include vice presidents Hilda Pereira and Jessie Fernandes, honorary secretary Laveena Padinjarathala, joint secretary John Lobo, and legal advisor Lawrence D’Souza Kemmennu. Executive committee members Edwin Augustine Suares, Thomas Pereira, James Prakash D’Sa, Alice Baptist D’Souza, and Prema Prameela Yalangi were also actively present and participated in the arrangements.
The screening began with a warm welcome by Glen Dais, who also emceed the programme. The vote of thanks was delivered by Clady Francis Montero.
The event was a harmonious blend of culture, community, and compassion — demonstrating the power of regional cinema in driving real social change.