Q.What makes IFFI ’07 different from the previous festivals?
A. Every International Film Festival that has been hosted has its own unique flavour. But this time Goa has really raised the bar manifold to give more delegates a chance to watch world-class cinema. We have focused on films, the film industry and the business of films and have dropped some of the previous features like float-parades and street programmes, as they were not relevant and tended to confuse the general public. From the film-goers perspective, we have developed film-centric infrastructure and will develop this further in the years to come.
Q.What are the exclusive developments made in infrastructure for IFFI ’07 and how do you plan to recover these costs?
A. We have added two more theatres at par with the best in the world in terms of equipment and facilities and have upgraded two existing theatres. As I have said in earlier press conferences the new Maquinez Palace Complex also houses the Entertainment Society of Goa offices, complete with One-Point-info-solution Offices and Media Centres of outstanding standards. Costs will be recovered in terms of the influx of film-related professionals coming in and seeing the standards and capacity that Goa has to host international events as well as conferences. The Asia-Pacific Body has also been in touch with us to work out a concept for an Asia-Pacific Film Festival as a curtain raiser to our IFFI, and the concept of implementing events like this will add revenue to the state exchequer.
Q.So far, how has the experience been for IFFI ’07 with you as the Chairman of ESG?
A. Honestly speaking, it has been a very challenging task as a lot of people were apprehensive about our ability and capability. I think the Entertainment Society of Goa has worked hard and toiled day and night along with a number of people and as Chairman they have made my burden easier.
Q.What are your future plans for Goa in generating film related employment for Goan youth and enhancing film culture in Goa?
A. Now that we have got some basic viewing infrastructure ready, it is time to go to the big picture. Film Goa is an initiative by the ESG to showcase the beauty of Goa and its people to producers all over the world. Goan youth will be encouraged to get into production, editing, film development and our budding talent in all fields of entertainment will be encouraged and promoted to the maximum.
Q.Now that Goa has decided to be the permanent venue for IFFI, are there any plans of developing a film city/centre/institute to encourage the development of film talent in Goa?
A. Goa has already decided that it will be host to the International Film Festival of India and take this event up on a permanent basis as we are gradually developing and learning and the pieces are falling in place. Plans have already been drawn up for a film city and the Entertainment Society of Goa is being encouraged and supported to develop and promote Films, Production and maybe later even infrastructure in Goa. With regards to film institutes, I think we are still in a growing stage, so let us work in a phased manner and get Goa on the global map of films worldwide. |
