The main festival
The film festival in itself has so many
things happening at the same time that most often one tends to miss out on
something or the other, simply because of the inability to be at multiple
venues at the same time. The festival comprises multiple press conferences held
by film actors, directors, music producers, etc, movie screenings,
masterclasses, discussion on various aspects of cinema and anything and
everything to do with films. This, apart from giving the general public an
opportunity to catch a glimpse of their favourite film celebrity, allows them
to watch international films which are hand-picked for the festival.
Film Bazaar
Although not connected to the film
festival, the Film Bazaar conducted by National Film Development Corporation of
India (NFDC) is an event that takes place mostly during the first five days of
the festival in Panjim. This marketplace has proven to be an excellent concept
where young filmmakers bag producers, producers bag actors, stalled film projects
get a new lease of life and the different aspects of the business side of films
are dealt with. The past editions of this event have seen Hollywood and
Bollywood stalwarts register their attendance, making it one of the most sought
after events during the film festival.
Street food stalls and music events
Apart from almost the entire capital city,
the footpath stretch from Kala Academy to almost the Panjim ferry point in
particular is beautifully decorated with lights and artwork. The film festival,
apart from attracting cinephiles, attracts foodies from across the state,
thanks to the mouth-watering street food stalls that make good business during
the ten days of the film festival. Right from the usual Gobi Manchurian and Ice
Golas, the people binge on various vegetarian and non vegetarian food items
whilst headbanging to EDM and rock music events that take place in the
children’s park area. The music events that start in the evening are mostly
open for all and wrap up by around 11.30-12 in the night.
