PANAJI
Undergoing renovation for the past several months, one of the prominent venues for International Film Festival of India (IFFI) -- Kala Academy -- is unlikely to re-open for the upcoming annual event slated to begin on November 20.
“The venue will not be ready for IFFI… There is, however, a possibility to complete the work of the Black Box, Jury Room, and Art Gallery, but this is just a possibility,” Minister for Art & Culture Govind Gaude told reporters during a site inspection of the iconic structure in Panaji on Monday.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, in his recent media interaction, claimed that the entire premises of renovated Kala Academy will be ready for use by December 8.
“Except for the main auditorium, all other areas of Kala Academy will be ready for use before Nov 20 and will be used for IFFI,” he was quoted as saying. Gaude’s statement has however created an uncertainty.
The Goa government is at the receiving end for allegedly allowing massive corruption in the name of Kala Academy’s renovation even as CM rubbished the allegations.
“There is absolutely no scam of any kind by anybody in Kala Academy work. All procedures have been rightly completed,” he said.
Meanwhile, Gaude maintained that the work is in full swing as the agencies’ main focus is on strengthening and water-proofing the structure. He further stated that the original paintings will be restored.
After three years of hybrid format, the annual event “ in its 53rd edition this year -- will be held entirely in physical mode from November 20-28, 2022.
