The award-winning Goan student short film The Awakening, directed by filmmaker Rameez Shaikh, is set for its digital premiere on November 13, 2025, on the YouTube channel Crafted Takes.
The environmental drama, created by a team of Goan students, has received critical recognition on the film festival circuit. It won the South Asian Regional Award at the Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival and was officially selected for the Waves International Short Film Festival (Goa) and the Urban Adda Film Festival. The film was also showcased at the Mangrove Festival, where it drew praise for its emotional depth and environmental message.
Developed under the mentorship of professors Archie Fernandes and Agnelo D’Souza, the project reflects a growing movement among young Goan filmmakers using cinema to address social and ecological issues.
The Awakening features Rameez Shaikh, Siya Chodankar, and Cyrus Fernandes in lead roles. The screenplay and cinematography are by Numair Khan, who co-wrote the story with Shaikh and Sharvi Dhond. The film’s background score was composed by Cyrus Fernandes, while editing was handled by Varun Kashyap. Production was managed by Sharvi Dhond and Ebenezer Rajamanickam, with technical support from Boskon Studio.
Speaking about the film’s journey, director Rameez Shaikh said, “As a Goan youngster, it feels incredible to see our work receive this kind of recognition. I hope it inspires others to believe in their potential and showcase what Goan youth are capable of.”
Set against the backdrop of a decaying cityscape, The Awakening centers on a conversation between two friends reflecting on humanity’s impact on the planet. The narrative underscores the idea that meaningful environmental change begins with individual awareness and collective responsibility.
Through its YouTube release, the filmmakers aim to bring The Awakening to a wider audience, continuing its message of environmental consciousness and the power of youth-driven storytelling.
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