PANAJI: Members of Goa’s film fraternity have called on the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) and the State government to recognise and celebrate Goan films and filmmakers during the upcoming International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025.
At a press conference today, National Award-winning filmmaker Laxmikant Shetgaonkar, along with Film artist Saiesh Palondicar and Former ESG Member Vishal Pai Cacode, urged ESG to honour Goan cinema and ensure the timely release of funds under the long-pending Goa Film Finance Scheme.
Shetgaonkar criticised the government for its “repeated promises and delayed action”, stating that bureaucratic delays had forced several local film projects to halt midway. “If the government truly wants to support Goan cinema, the sanctioned funds must be released before IFFI, not after the festival when the focus shifts elsewhere,” he said.
Palondicar, highlighting what he termed a “discriminatory approach” by the NFDC in film selection, questioned the inclusion of certain films while acclaimed Konkani productions were overlooked. “If a film like Claudia, which has not been released anywhere, can get a special screening, then Ancessao, which has won two international awards, surely deserves a place at IFFI 2025,” he asserted.
Cacode voiced concern over the declining reputation of IFFI, pointing to reduced international participation and sponsorship. “IFFI has lost its brand value. When the host state fails to celebrate its own cinema, how can it expect the world to take notice?” he said.
The group also urged ESG and the NFDC to commemorate the centenary of legendary Goan cinematographer K Vaikunth, proposing a retrospective of his films and a special tribute session at IFFI 2025.
Reiterating their collective appeal, Shetgaonkar, Palondicar, and Pai Cacode called upon Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and the ESG Chairman Delila Lobo to take immediate action, from releasing long-overdue film finance assistance to including Ancessao in the IFFI 2025 lineup, to make the festival a true celebration of Goa’s cinematic talent.
