New Delhi, 30 March 2026
Indian filmmaker and writer Melwyn Williams’ upcoming feature Bebinca has received a strong response at the IFFD CineXchange market, where it was featured under the “Pitch Your Idea” section. The project drew interest from producers, film bodies, and industry professionals, with initial discussions underway for potential collaborations.
Building on this momentum, the team will showcase Bebinca at the Marché du Film during the Cannes Film Festival in May 2026, aiming to engage an international audience. Set in Goa, the film drives its narrative through richly drawn characters, as it explores themes of social inclusion, caregiving, and misunderstood innocence. Furthermore, it combines a culturally vibrant setting with an emotional narrative that resonates universally.
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A Story of Love, Loss, and Resilience
Bebinca asks at its heart: How does society’s rejection affect innocence? Williams said, “Bebinca reflects the quiet transformation of love under social and psychological strain.” The film follows Maria, a young Goan woman who loses her father to a wrongful accusation and suicide. She takes over his food stall while caring for her autistic brother, Brian. As he grows, the community misinterprets his innocence, challenging Maria’s patience, love, and sacrifice. The story evolves into a moving meditation on caregiving, memory, social neglect, and fragile innocence.
Williams added, “The film explores the endurance of love in caregiving relationships and the harsh realities when that love is unsupported. In a loud world, I want to make a film that whispers, straight to your soul.”
Goa’s Culture at the Heart
Named after Goa’s traditional layered dessert, Bebinca evokes memory, sweetness, and emotional continuity. Similarly, like the dessert itself, the narrative unfolds in quiet layers, as the filmmakers use food as a metaphor for memory, grief, and emotional inheritance. Moreover, the film highlights naturalistic performances, incorporates long silences, and portrays children and neurodivergent individuals with sensitivity.
Produced by Bahumukhi Kalakaar Sangam (BKS) and MWC Cinema Company, Bebinca will feature at Cannes, Berlinale, Busan, and MAMI. Following these festivals, the team plans an OTT and digital release. After its CineXchange presentation, the team actively engages partners for co-production, equity investment, international sales, and CSR collaborations.
About Melwyn Williams
Melwyn Williams is an Indian filmmaker, journalist, writer, and cultural strategist with 25+ years of experience in cinema, media, education, and diaspora advocacy. Founder of the Ladakh International Film Festival and Bahumukhi Kalakaar Sangam, he promotes artist welfare and cultural dialogue. With Bebinca, Williams continues telling intimate, human-centered stories on autism, caregiving, and societal acceptance
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Other Details
Format: Feature Film (110–120 minutes approx.)
Director & Writer: Melwyn Williams
Creative Director(s): Dr Biju K Damodaran, Ravi Kemmu
Language: Hindi and Konkani
Genre: Drama
