PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday clarified that 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will open with a vibrant float parade on November 20, instead of traditional inaugural ceremony while dismissing the news about non-availability of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee stadium for hosting the event due to ongoing FIDE Chess Olympiad.
Addressing a press conference after reviewing the IFFI preparations, Sawant said that as requested by the IFFI organizers, the Goa government this time, decided to have a grand and vibrant float parade for IFFI inaugural from the Old Secretariat to Kala Academy, featuring total 26 floats including 11 from Goa.
Sawant said that the Old GMC building premise will be converted into an IFFI opening venue with a seating area, featuring VIPs, celebrities and other dignitaries from across the globe. “It was the request from the organizers that we have a grand float parade…an open venue inaugural ceremony. Accordingly, we have switched from the traditional ceremony,” he said.
“This has nothing to do with the FIDE Chess championship, which is currently being held at a resort in Arpora. The closing ceremony of IFFI on November 28 will be held at the stadium,” he added.
Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) vice chairman Delilah Lobo had said that due to non-availability of stadium, which is allotted for the FIDE Chess event, the government decided to cancel the inaugural ceremony.
Unlike previous years, where only delegates had access to the festival, IFFI inauguration this year will be accessible to everyone; however only with the pass and invitees will have the seating space occupied. "This year's event will have access to everyone. We have a seating capacity of around 1500-2000 at the venue," he said.
Sawant said 12 Goan floats will feature in the parade, while 11 created by production houses from across India will represent various facets of the film industry. “The 12 Goan floats will be totally film-industry related,” he said. “Konkani film producers can showcase their content through live floats, while the remaining 11 belong to different production houses.”
He added that three states have already confirmed their participation and will present live performances on their floats. “These floats will be one of the major attractions for Goans as well as people from the film fraternity,” he said.
