You have to understand the festival in Goa is a very big event and the necessary precautions have to be taken because if it not done then there will be many cases that could be detected after it. If there is a small gathering in theatres, then it will not be a problem. The fact that the rest of the films will be showcased online is fantastic. I have not decided as to what film I would like to watch but if I think of it there will be a long list because no films were released in the theatre. It will be a great experience for sure.    

Tapan Acharya, Actor, Director, Producer

 

I think it is very nice it is happening during the pandemic. I hope they take all the necessary measures to ensure nothing untoward happens. I am excited by the fact that films will be shown online. This will change everything dramatically. They should promote it aggressively online and name the movies that will be showcased at the festival. The delegates should register online and then watch the film online. I feel the govt has taken a very good step by doing this. As far as the theatrical screening is concerned, I don’t have much to say I don’t know how the committee has decided this how are they going to get delegates to come and watch this. The fact the govt is trying to make things available online is great.

Milroy Goes Film Producer

 

 

I think it is a good idea. Schools are starting on September 1 and yes, the virus is still around but life has to go on. Several film festivals are taking place as we speak online, and this is now the way forward. We have to of course wait and watch how the situation on the ground develops because films will also be showcased in certain theatres. Life is moving on all over the world and the same will happen in Goa too.

Dr Meenacshi Martins Actor

 

I welcome this decision because all over and in India too events have started. Look at the preparations to hold the IPL, it is moving ahead. So why not entertainment? Yes the rules and the sops have to be followed for the event otherwise people will be exposed to danger. Social distancing will have to be followed. I would like to watch Konkani films at the festival but with regard to foreign films, I will have to conduct some research. All I all I am very happy.

Salil Naik  Actor

 

They should not allow the film festivals in the theatres in this situation. They should stick to the online platform. Look at people around you, they are watching movies on Amazon Prime and other similar platforms. So, I feel the festival should adapt to the new reality and go online completely. Going to a theatre in this situation is not a smart decision with the risk of infection increasing dramatically. If a cure is found then fantastic otherwise, online is the safest way forward.

Siddhart Yaji  Film maker, Actor, Singer and Producer

 

 

 

I welcome this move to go digital. If they want to screen some movies in the theatre, then they will have to take the proper measures. In Holland, they have already started universities and in that spirit, we should go ahead. I strongly believe that art saved the world from going mad. Imagine the last lockdown without music or cinema.  In general, the film festival is quite a treat. I will end with a quote from Winston Churchill who once said “ We are fighting for the preservation of art” to people who argued for the reduction of the budget for art during the war.

Subodh Kerkar Painter, Sculptor and installation artist

 

 

I am very happy that the festival will be conducted on a digital platform as required given the situation. With literally everything going online due to the global pandemic, creative forms will also have to adapt temporarily. You never know, something novel might emerge from this phenomenon.

Sonia Shirsat  Fado singer