Film buffs are keenly looking forward to the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), which will be held in Goa from Nov 20 to 28. Films will be screened at several locations: in Panaji at INOX Panaji, Maquinez Palace, and Z-Square Samrat Ashok, and at INOX Porvorim and Ravindra Bhavan, Margao. There is a proposal to have open-air screenings of movies on Miramar and Anjuna beaches and at Ravindra Bhavan, Fatorda.
In the background of the car bomb blast on Nov 10 near Red Fort (New Delhi) and the National Security Act (NSA) being implemented in Goa for three months from Nov 5 due to rising incidents of anti-social activities, such as gang fights and gunfire, the government needs to take a call and cancel the open-air screenings of movies.
This precautionary measure would be safe and prudent and would also help stop unruly elements from harassing others, engaging in brawls, and drinking and breaking liquor bottles on the beaches.
