IFFI wave sweeps Goa  
 
The 36 th International Film Festival of India is on with a bang, bringing both, the lay man and superstar to a common platform. It's the movie mania that has gripped Goa as stars walk the red carpet, critics get an eyeful of the best films in global cinema, and the paparazzi sound bytes from the movers and shakers of moviedom. Rimmi Sen of ` Deewena Huye Pagal' drew in wolf whistles after the premier of her film at the Inox, while the `Installation Festival' by artist Subodh Kerkar at Candolim Beach got off to a colourful start, synergizing art to the majestic synchronicity of the waves. But, wait, you haven't heard nothing yet if you weren't there in flesh and bone at Caranzalem to witness the mega ` Namaste India Concert ' featuring the `breathless' trio who have changed the face of Bollywood music -- Shankar Mahadevan , Eshaan and Loy. The trio pumped up the volume and gave Goa an unforgettable dekko of star power set to music.
IFFI Goa 2005 also gives Konkani tiatrists a spotlight at the `A Tribute to Contemporary Artists' exhibition at the Fontainhas Festival of the Arts, Fontainhas . Photographer Alex Fernandes showcases Konkani stage luminaries like Ophelia, Rita Rose, Jose Rose, Prem Kumar, H Britton, Young Chico , Prince Jacob , Antonette among others in an attempt to give a voice to their immense contribution to Konkani folk art. A must see for nostalgia's sake.
Celluloid giant Hrishikesh Mukherjee -- a man who dared a different approach to Hindi cinema -- gets a platform through a retrospective of his work, through none other than heartthrob to an entire generation of Bollywood buffs, actor Rajesh Khanna who will draw the curtains up with the screening of ` Anand.' Ruskin Bond, Shweta, Vishal Bharadwaj, Pankaj Kapur will walk the red carpet with the `Blue Umbrella' as well.
A red carpet salute also goes out to the stupendous performances by actors Om Puri, Gulshan Grover and Shreyas Talpade in ` The Hangman ' that had audiences spellbound yesterday, while women power gets a face with the feisty diva, French actress Isabelle Huppert who begins her journey through a retrospective of her highly acclaimed work.
And there's music. Coming up next is Goa 's popular band ` Crimson Tide ' taking centre stage, while audiences keep step with the trials of ` Noel ,' a British film premiere scheduled at Caranzalem today. Don't forget the popcorn. Enjoy!
 
 
 

Faramarz Gharibian, Jury member, Iran
“IFFI Goa 2005 marks my first visit to Goa . I could not make to last year to receive my Special Jury prize for the film ` Shehr-e-Ziba' ( Beautiful City ), because I missed my connecting flight from Dubai . After spending just one hour in Panaji, I have already begun to love Goa . In fact, I feel like staying back after finishing jury duty, to tour the State.”

 
 
  Jayme Monjardim, Director of `Olga'
“I'm very grateful with the opportunity to bring `Olga' to the IFFI Goa 2005 and I feel much honored to have my film opening this respected festival. I'm also very happy that the festival has its permanent base in Goa , a former Portuguese colony for more than 400 years, which I always had great interest to know.”
 
 
 

FONTAINHAS FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS, FONTAINHAS-MALA, PANJIM  

`Life Meets Art' at the heritage precinct of Fontainhas in Panjim. A Goa Heritage Action Group (GHAG) initiative, this festival turns private homes into temporary art galleries, against the backdrop of Goan houses for exhibition and sale of art. Local as well as international artists, studio potters, printmakers, competitions and workshops, lectures with star participation by art stalwarts like Professor Sovon Som, Rajiv Lochan, Baiju Parthan, HH Ranjitsinhji Gaikwad and Jyoti Shahi is open to the public. Evenings come alive with cultural performances and a vintage car exhibition set against the cobbled-pathways and white washed houses of this quaint Latin quarter of Panjim making for an enriching, invigorating experience.

Open to the public and delegates till December 3, 2005.

 
 

Amisha Patel, actress
“I am extremely delighted that Indian Cinema is going places, and so many high profile directors like Gurindar Chadda and Ismail Merchant have taken Indian Cinema to a global audience.”

 
 
 

 

  
 

FACE OFF
Saeed Mirza : The juror in residence

It is late at night on the inaugural day. There is an IFFI reception on at the Cidade de Goa. Somebody asks Saeed where he lived, and he points across the river to a row of lights. As he settles with a drink among his friends, I start a conversation with the man who made such milestone movies as `Albert Pinto Ko Ghussa Kyon Aataa Hai,'` Arvind Desai Kee Ajeeb Daastaan,'` Mohan Joshi Haazir Ho,' `Salim Langde Pe Mat Ro' and `Naseem.'

By Siraj Syed

 
 

Siraj: You grew up in Mumbai. What made you buy a house in Goa ?

Saeed: Mumbai was sinking into a sea of madness and frenzy. I wanted to get away from the brutal communal politics that reared its head in the early to mid 90s. My sister-in-law saw a place here where some flats were coming up and recommended it to us. One look, and I took it. That was almost a decade ago. I still maintain a flat in Mumbai, but Goa is the place where my mind lets all my experiences really sink in.

Siraj: You haven't made a film in 10 years. We all miss the sensitivity projected in all your films. Are you planning something?
Saeed: Frankly, I think there is nothing more I have to say. ` Naseem' sort of summed it up all for me. What fascinates me these days is India —the land, the people.

Siraj: Where is your writing nest? Goa ?
Saeed: Goa , Lonavla, anywhere where there is peace and quiet. I was in Lonavla when I realised it is time to report for IFFI duty. So I drove down nearly 12 hours, and here I am. I am exhausted …and you know I am not a ‘formal parties' man, but since I am part of the jury, I have to be here.

Siraj: I also know that you are not really a ‘juries' man. It is a pleasant surprise that you agreed to take on this role for IFFI 2005.
Saeed: You're right. But some factors prevailed. Firstly, I needed a break from writing. Then, the opportunity to be on a panel that includes Miguel Littin, a maker I deeply admire was too good to let pass. To add to that, we have a distinguished juror from Iran , a country and people I have the highest regard for. Lastly, the addition of African and Latin American films to the Asian Competition section was a step in the right direction. But I do eagerly look forward to seeing some interesting films at IFFI Goa.

 
 
FESTIVAL BOOKMARK
  NOVEMBER 27th
  • Corniche (4.00pm-9.30pm): Street Animations, Bands, Interactive Activities
  • Children's Park (4.00pm-7.00pm): Fancy Dress Competition for Children upto six years, Entertainment
  • Multiplex Courtyard (10.00am-10.00pm): Food Court , Entertainment, Festival Movie Screening
  • Caranzalem (6.00pm-10.00pm): Musical concert by Goa 's popular band `Crimson Tide' and Premier of British film ‘Noel'
  • Kala Academy (10.00am-10.00pm): Film Bazaar, Entertainment, Festival Movie Screening
  • Mobile Cinema (7.00pm-10.00pm): Colva Beach `Bunty Aur Babli' and Vasco “No Entry”
  • Candolim Beach (6.00pm-11.00pm) Installation Festival by Subodh Kerkar
  • Fontainhas (4.00pm -10.00pm) `Festival of the Arts.' A unique festival of art and heritage which turns private heritage homes into public art exhibition galleries.
PUBLIC SCREENING

Osia Bollywood, Margao:

  • Divergence (11.00am)
  • Look Both Ways (2.00pm)
  • Tulips (5.00pm)
  • Frozen Land (8.00pm)

Osia Hollywood, Margao:

  • Achuvinte Amma (9.00am)
  • Mujshe Shadi Karogi (12.00pm)
  • Kaalpurush (3.00pm)
  • Guddi (6.00pm)
   
   

Hema Sardesaai, Pop Singer
“ I love the IFFI song and am singing it most of the while in my head, if not aloud. It is a sure shot hit.”

   
 

The Party's On

If it's party time, it's gotta be Goa . At the I&B Ministry party at the Cidade de Goa , movers and shakers of the political and social circuit joined forces for one rocking time. Sharing the euphoria following the aftermath of the inaugural ceremony at the Multiplex Courtyard, was Union Minister for Urban Development and Culture Mr Jaipal Reddy , Chief Minister of Goa, Mr Pratapsing Rane , actress Nafisa Ali , French director and member of the jury, Alain Corneau , socialite Bina Ramani , director Nagesh Kokunoor , Yash Chopra and the evergreen veteran actor, Dev Anand. Movies and Goa were the high-point of the discussion, while guests enjoyed Goan hospitality in the traditional spirit of festive participation.