From its beginning in 1952, International FIlm Festival of India marks its Golden Jubilee today. The festival came to Goa in 2004, and the state has been home to IFFI ever since. In the course of this long association, IFFI became an integral part of Goan cultural calendar. As the festival celebrates a milestone in its journey, both in terms of its Golden Jubilee and its association with Goa, it is time to reflect upon what impact IFFI has had on the state in such a long time. What has IFFI given Goa? TG Life spoke to a number of filmmakers to understand how the festival has influenced the state’s film culture over the years.
IFFI in Goa has grown a lot over the years, but more needs to be done to take the festival to the general public. Secondly, former chief minister Manohar Parrikar had stated that dedicated infrastructure will be built for IFFI in the state. The government should ensure that such infrastructure created at the earliest.
“ Kishor Arjun
IFFI has brought films to the backyard of Goans. It gives us an opportunity to attend masterclasses from eminent film personalities and give a boost to young filmmakers in Goa. We should now look forward to better cinema and better film fraternity, film faculty and students coming from Goa
“ Meenacshi Martins
IFFI has indeed created a platform where Goan filmmakers can witness international cinema and raise their own filmmaking standards. That said, I feel that more needs to be done to provide help to aspiring filmmakers who are on the fringes. The festival could help turn Goa into a film destination where all knowledge regarding filmmaking is easily accessible to anyone who is starting filmmaking from scratch.
“ Abhinav Joshi
IFFI has raised a lot of awareness in the film fraternity of Goa and has helped film culture take roots in the state. The festival has led to the general public developing a deeper understanding of cinema-what is parallel cinema, what is commercial cinema etc. Today, we see many young people making good films using cell phones. IFFI has certainly played a role in giving a boost to such local creativity
“ Prashanti Talpankar
IFFI has exposed Goans to international films, and given them an opportunity to interact with filmmakers around the globe. This has probably had an impact on Goan filmmaking in many ways. Additionally, many sections have opened up in IFFI for Goan films. Overall, it’s a very positive space for Goan filmmakers, film students, and everyone who wants to learn about films.
“ Vince Costa
