The poster of the 53 edition of the International Film Festival
of India, Goa was unveiled to great fanfare at the Cannes film festival earlier
in the week. It was fantastic publicity for a film festival that was once upon
a time considered amongst the most important festivals in the world. Those days
sadly are long gone. The festival has been an excellent opportunity for Goans
to watch films from all over the world and provides a platform for local
filmmakers to present their movies. The first edition of the film festival in
Goa was in 2004 and has stayed put in this State.
As the years pass, one would be tempted to
ask if the quality of movies have improved and importantly has the
infrastructure for watching movies improved. Film makers in Goa gave a mixed
response. Rajesh Pednekar said for Goan filmmakers like him the film festival
was always an inspiration. He said “It has developed a culture for sure in Goa.
With regards to infrastructure, yes there are better theatres but we still
don’t have a film industry here in the State. Private parties tried to
establish a film city but it came to nought. Even if it happens, Goan
technicians have to be given a chance. Otherwise it will be like other
initiatives which resulted in people from other states coming and taking the
jobs. All the Goan technicians are in Mumbai. If anything has to happen it has
to happen here.”
Darshan Lolinekar, another producer, said
IFFI was international and attracted delegates from all over the world. He said
“At one point in time there was talk of creating infrastructure on the Dona
Paula plateau and everything would happen there. This was promised by the late
Manohar Parrikar. When we started off, we were not prepared but over a period
of time; little by little there has been some improvement. We now have Inox,
ESG and even in Margao, movies are shown. Overall I would say there has not
been much except for some decorations, some lighting. We as a film festival
can’t be compared to the Cannes of the world.”
Milroy Goes, a filmmaker based in Goa, said he was never invited
to the festival despite being a member of the fraternity. He said “I lost track
after 2018, I don’t see much in terms of organisation or production. Back in
the days, you had to be recommended by a producer or a production house to go
as a delegate. Now anyone can go as a delegate. With regards to the films, I
would say they are pretty good. Goan film makers have to be present in larger
numbers and interact with international film makers and learn. Goa I believe
has the capacity to organise a fantastic show.”
Madhav Gad said much had been written about the quality of films
selected in the past and it was important to rework the selection committee and
also hoped the idea of setting up a complex in Dona Paula would come true. This
would then mean they would not have to depend on Inox or any other facility.
The other industry that has benefitted from the State hosting
IFFI is the hospitality industry. Savio Messais said all international events
fetch a number of eyeballs all over the world. He said “It certainly helps Goa
but it is important that the department’s marketing department get very active.
The delegates who come will certainly talk about Goa amongst their circle and
it is important the marketing department be in touch with the visitors. Many of
them are famous and will have a large number of fans who can be tapped. We have
to be innovative”.
Another hotelier in Panjim who did not want to come on record
said, the festival had certainly given them business. He said “Domestic
visitors keep returning but international visitors are less frequent. Some of
them come from countries which are a focus area for the state’s tourism
department. I would like to see a more aggressive campaign around such
properties. Goa stands to benefit.”
One
hopes the authorities heed the suggestions and ensure Goa is able to attract
good movies as well as a larger percentage of tourists interested in quality
tourism.
