PANAJI
At a time when government-sponsored projects or initiatives have often met with opposition, for a change, the proposed film city at Loliem received the green light from the locals. But this has also sparked questions about the project’s location at the extreme end of the State, where accessibility remains a major concern.
Many filmmakers in Goa hailed the decision to move forward with the film city project, however, some are left to wonder about the prolonged delay in implementing this concept when a Film Village could be a new idea “ different from what other bigger states have for the film industry.
There are also concerns about the logistical aspects of travel, particularly given that the Dabolim airport is quite far from Loliem, and Mopa airport is situated at the opposite end of the State.
Actor Meenacshi Martins emphasized that the upcoming film city could be advantageous to Goan film fraternity, who find frequent travel to Mumbai for work, impractical. She also stated that it has the potential to generate revenue for the State and help the stakeholders.
"Goa will need to set up training for locals covering various aspects of the film industry to ensure the success of the project. The concept has to be beneficial for the people of Goa,” she emphasized.
She revealed that film city was suggested in Regional Plan during its initial stages in 2006 and big names in the film industry had vouched for it, giving their support to the former government. “However, the location proposed was rejected for various reasons such as two hours distance from Dabolim airport, no hotels/accommodation for the actors and the crew, catering issue, etc,” she added indicating the project never took off for over a decade and half. Having been a part of the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) for two terms from 2013-19, she said that Film City is a dream project for Goa and had been discussed before.
“Loliem is an ideal location, however, the issues of accessibility must be addressed. Without addressing concerns such as accessibility and hospitality, the project may not be successful. We should not embark on a venture that doesn’t ultimately benefit the people of Goa,” she further added.
Another issue raised by filmmakers pertains to the perks and benefits for local filmmakers. They questioned whether the government has considered how this project will truly help them, especially in light of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), which was initiated with a similar objective but has not yielded substantial benefits for the local film industry.
Filmmaker Joywin Fernandes has this first question for the government before expressing his opinion on the Loliem film city project, “Tell me one thing that ESG has done for Goan filmmakers ever since it started in Goa. What is the use of this film city? Even for IFFI, we must produce a movie to walk the red carpet; else, we don't get a pass.”
He further questioned the effectiveness of IFFI for all Goan filmmakers, alleging lack of adequate support from the government.
“It is because of all this that I looked at OTT and became the first filmmaker in Goa to launch my own OTT platform, already producing seven movies,” he added as he also lamented the fact that unlike in other states where filmmakers receive government subsidies, in Goa, success often relies on personal connections.
On the location of the film city, he emphasized that the natural beauty of Goa should not be overshadowed by an artificial film city.
Dharmanand Vernekar, another filmmaker, echoed the problem of the distance of Loliem from Dabolim airport, citing that although Loliem boasts of beaches, greenery, and hills, reaching it would take a considerable 2-2½ hours.
He went on to add that the government should have considered a more innovative approach, such as establishing a film village, rather than opting for a conventional film city. "Nevertheless, it's good that something is happening, as we need it,” he added.
The filmmakers also suggested that if the film city becomes a reality, the government should ensure the provision of facilities such as soundstages, religious sites, temporary sets, training institutions, and open-air theatres among other facilities while also insisting that locals be given employment.
