PANAJI - The Goa government has announced a cash prize of Rs.25 lakh to filmmaker Laxmikant Shetgaonkar whose film “Paltadacho Munis” won an award at the 34th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

The decision to honour the filmmaker was taken Monday at a meeting of the governing body of the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG). Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, who chaired the meeting, said Shetgaonkar’s film is the first ever Konkani film to have triumphed at a global event. Shetgaonkar’s film won the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) award at the fest.

“This award has actually contributed in taking our official language Konkani beyond the national boundaries. This award will surely serve as a huge boost to all the budding filmmakers of Goa,” Kamat told reporters.

“It is important to note that the film showcases village traditions and beliefs sincerely while casting a jaundiced eye on those who exploit them. The entire film is shot in scenic Goan villages,” Kamat added.

The 96-minute film, which Shetgaonkar made with assistance from the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), was lauded by audiences for dealing with major dilemmas - faith, the environment and social taboos.

On the closing day of the 10-day film festival that concluded Saturday, the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) voted for it in the Discovery category.

Loosely based on Goan writer Mahabaleshwar Sail’s story, the film is about a widowed forest ranger Vinayak who develops an intimate relationship with a mentally ill woman, risking becoming an outcast.