the goan I network
MARGAO
America’s only gold medalist in Men’s Individual Road Race Cycling in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic, Alexi Singh Grewal will descend in Goa later this week to inaugurate India’s first ever International Festival of Films on Cycling “Reels on Wheels 2018”.
Apart from interacting with delegates, Grewal will accompany participating cyclists in the 25-km cycle rally on April 8 morning. The two-day Reels on Wheels organied by Ravindra Bhavan in collaboration with Carmona-based Saxtti films, will showcase some of the finest and award-winning films directed by internationally-acclaimed American and European film-makers.
Addressing the media, Ravindra Bhavan Chairman Prashant Naik said the two-day international festival of films will be inaugurated on April 7 at 4 pm followed by the screening of the opening film. “In addition, a cycle bazaar, a flea market and cycle-related fun games will be held at the Ravindra Bhavan on April 7-8. “This is the first-ever attempt at holding a festival of this kind, not just in Goa, but in India,” Prashant added.
He said cycling culture in India is slated for an exponential growth, with youth and old, men and women, and boys and girls taking to it for leisure, health, sports or even shorter commutes in the cities. “I expect a large number of cyclists to attend this festival. Many of them will bring their spouses and children and use this opportunity to inspire them too,” Prashant said.
Savia Viegas, co-founder and curator of Saxtti Films said, “We are excited about collaborating with Ravindra Bhavan, Margao to synthesise our passion for good cinema with an environment-friendly activity. She said Saxtti films is committed to cultivating and nurturing cinema ethos among viewers in India. “Reels on Wheels is the beginning of this exciting journey for us,” she added.
Savia said the film Bicycle Dreams directed by Stephen Auerbach/USA, Bikes Vs Cars directed by Fredrik Gertten/Sweden, Chasing Legends directed by Jason Berry/USA, One Year on a Bike directed by Martijn Doolaard/Netherlands and Rising from Ashes directed by Thomas Johnstone/USA will be screened as part of the two-day international film festival.
