IFFI has somehow lost its purpose
“I would never be a filmmaker had it not been for IFFI. Inspired by films in IFFI, I made my first film ‘Disha’ in 2016 which has seen some of the reputed film festivals in India and bagged the best director award and best film award in ‘The Goa State Film Awards 2018’. However, I feel IFFI for Goans could not serve its purpose and has become directionless now. The reason why IFFI was brought to Goa is best known to the late Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, but whosoever has been in-charge of it now, has no clue why the State is organising this show year after year, what is the real purpose and meaning of such festival, why a big chunk of money is being spent from the government exchequer.
Sainath Parab, artist & filmmaker
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Goan films highly appreciated
This year's 54th Edition of IFFI was yet another memorable event, very well organized by ESG. I didn't submit any film this year, but it was really a proud moment to see lots of Goan talent being showcased. Goan short films and specially in Panorama section was highly appreciated. Looking forward to many more such film enthusiasts to come up with new unique projects to make our Goa known for the talented filmmakers also alongwith the tourism.
Gopinath S Chandelkar, entrepreneur & filmmaker
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IFFI has left bad taste in my mouth
Initially when IFFI started, there was a separate section called ‘Chota Cinema’ where my film FRIENDS had won the first prize, in 2008. However, IFFI has left bad taste in my mouth though I consistently made films from 2004 till now. For me as a Goan filmmaker, IFFI has done nothing great. What has Goa government done to promote Konkani films? The scheme started by the late chief minister Manohar Parrikar has been discontinued for the past 7-8 years. Few passionate filmmakers spend their own money for the craze of walking the red carpet. There is no incentive for them from the government. This year there are only two Konkani films at IFFI’s Goa section, rest five are documentaries.
Joywin Fernandes, filmmaker
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I have had no opportunities coming out of IFFI
“This is the 20th edition of IFFI, the first having been in 2004 but has there been a Konkani feature film in the Panorama section of IFFI, this year? One would have thought, since two decades have gone by, we would have had class cinema coming out of Goa, if there was any intent to develop films or nurture a culture or even a film fraternity in this State. The talent of the generation-next is showing through the short films winning praises and accolades. This talent needs to be tapped and nurtured if we want films to flourish with in this State. As an actor, I have had no opportunities coming out of IFFI, as we hardly get to interact with any one from other film industries.
Dr Meenacshi Martins, psychiatrist & actor
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If there are no returns who would want to make a film?
I have done several short films (ranging from two minutes to 45 minutes) and bagged awards in all four categories in the initial years of IFFI. However, film-making is a part-time hobby for me. I am a full-time businessman. Most filmmakers in Goa are like me. Film making is their second profession. Nobody can survive on only filmmaking. There are several reasons why I feel so. Firstly, the balance between finance and returns does not match. The investment is big but the returns are negligent. If there are no returns who would want to make a film?
Yogesh Kapadi, businessman & filmmaker
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I have stopped making films for past two-three years
I have stopped making films for the past two-three years. One needs Rs 40-50 lakh to make a reasonably good film. But there are no returns. And Konkani films have no audience. It is not affordable to keep shows in theatres. Having Film City in Goa is of no use. It would go into losses. The government had earlier promised of allowing shooting facilities in the State but the system of issuing permissions is not smooth. There are local pressures too that do not allow shooting in their locality.
Dynanesh Moghe, filmmaker
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How many Goan films are made as a result of IFFI?
How many Goan films are made as a result of IFFI? We had to fight to get the Goa Section sanctioned at IFFI, 12 years ago. But there are no films because who would do the films, and why? Only few youth are doing films out of their own enthusiasm and spending money from their own pockets. How would film culture flourish in such situations? My suggestion is the Konkani films that were made with the help of Film Finance Scheme during those times, are there with the government. These films should be shown in the villages to let the rural people enjoy. But these films are kept under lock. Local Konkani films are not encouraged screening because there is no money.
Rajdeep Naik, artist & filmmaker
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Govt not keen on supporting its own filmmakers
Goan films do not have buyers. Who would buy Konkani films? Only Goans. The host would buy a Goan film if it is good. And good quality films can be made only when one puts money in it. But as no financial support is offered from the State government to Goan filmmakers, they have literarily stopped making films. All State governments patronise their local film industry persons so that the overall cinema industry flourishes. But though Goa hosts IFFI, the government is not keen on supporting its own filmmakers. A total of Rs 60-70 crore is being spent every year on IFFI. But has this investment helped local film industry?
A local film maker
