Goan Film “The Awakening” Selected for the Mitee Environment Short Film and Documentary Festival
Goan short film The Awakening, directed by Rameez Shaikh, has been officially selected for screening at the 5th Mitee Environment Short Film and Documentary Festival. The film will be screened on 11 January 2026 at the Lady Ramabai Auditorium, S.P. College, Pune.
Scheduled from 9 to 11 January 2026, the festival will showcase over 40 environment-focused short films and documentaries from across the globe over three days. The Awakening stands out as the sole Goan film featured in this edition of the festival.
Organized by the Mitee Film Society, the Mitee Environment Short Film and Documentary Festival serves as a vibrant platform dedicated to nurturing young and emerging filmmakers, with a special emphasis on youth voices. Now in its fifth year, the festival continues its mission of promoting socially conscious cinema, spotlighting creators whose stories and perspectives might otherwise remain unheard. The festival is committed to presenting films that inform, inspire, and engage audiences, particularly the next generation of storytellers.
The Awakening stars Rameez Shaikh, Siya Chodankar, and Cyrus Fernandes in lead roles. The film’s screenplay and cinematography were crafted by Numair Khan, who also co-wrote the story along with Rameez Shaikh and Sharvi Dhond. Varun Kashyap handled the editing, with technical support from Boskon Studio. The evocative background score was composed by Cyrus Fernandes, while Sharvi Dhond and Ebenezer Rajamanickam managed the production, ensuring a seamless journey from concept to screen.
Director Rameez Shaikh, a 21-year-old Gen Z filmmaker, is a Mass Communication graduate from Don Bosco College, Panjim. He is also a digital creator who has won several local and national-level reel competitions, alongside his brothers Ismail Shaikh and Aarif Shaikh. The film follows a conversation between two friends reflecting on a dying planet, ultimately realizing that the true solution lies in changing mindsets and prioritizing environmental responsibility. Set against the backdrop of a decaying city, the protagonist emphasizes that
collective action by ordinary people is crucial, identifying apathy as the root cause of environmental degradation.
Through its narrative, The Awakening explores themes of environmental consciousness and collective responsibility, urging viewers to confront their indifference and recognize their power to effect change. The film envisions a future driven by love for the planet, ensuring the well- being of generations to come.
