After a gap of almost seven years, when International FilmFestival of India first moved to Goa during the tenure of then BJP-ledgovernment in the State, this year the BJP-led government has some grand plansto make the festival a grand success.
After regaining power, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar’sfirst step was to change the dates of IFFI to avoid it clashing with the StFrancis Xavier’s feast at Old Goa. IFFI will now be held from November 20 toNovember 30.
Government plans to have IFFI’s inaugural session at “DariyaSangam” which will cater to a capacity crowd of 3000 plus. Bollywood star Akshay Kumar is shortlisted toparticipate for the inaugural ceremony.
Recently a steering committee had met to decide variousaspects of the film festival. Theme for the festival will be “Zero down toCentenary year of India Cinema”. Next meeting of the steering committee willtake place on September 30.
“Soon after the election the first thing that our ChiefMinister, Manohar Parrikar did was to change the dates of IFFI which use toclash with the feast of St Francis Xavier. We will ensure that this year theIFFI will be grand and all delegates, including foreign delegates, will enjoyand return home satisfied,” said Vishnu Wagh, Deputy Chairman of EntertainmentSociety of Goa.
He further added that the opening ceremony would be held inPanjim, where ESG has plans to put up a huge air condition tent having acapacity of 3500 people, so that more people can witness the opening ceremony.
“All these years there were complaints from foreigndelegates that there were no proper arrangements and transportation. We willprovide special attention to them this time so that they are satisfied,” Waghsaid.
The décor too will be something different this year. Talksare on with Nitin Dessai who will be in charge of the décor for the opening andthe closing ceremony. Even DFF is in touch with him added, Wagh disclosed.“Entire city starting right from Patto bridge to Miramar circle will bedecorated in an innovative way,” he said.
Cultural programmes will be arranged across the State forlocals so that local talent will get a chance to show case their talent, headded.
IFFI 2012 will have two new sections namely, “Chai Chat” and“Cut Above”. Cut above will have those films which are good but could not makeit to the competition sections said Manoj Srivastava, CEO of EntertainmentSociety of Goa.
