AR FERNANDES – PANJIM CITIZEN
The residents of Sao Tome, a historic herit age zone in Panjim are facing severe public nuisance due to commercial film shootings allowed by the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG). Every time permissions are given for film shootings in Sao Tome, a heritage area, the large production crew blocks the narrow lanes of the Latin Quarter, preventing residents from accessing their homes. The shoots pose a safety risk and hindrance, making it difficult for motorists to use the interior roads.
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The residents acknowl edge Goa’s status as a film destination but complain that the current lack of oversight has transformed the peaceful neighbourhood into a high-stress ‘movie set’ environment affecting senior citizens and other residents who some-times find their entrances blocked by the crew.
On Saturday a large crew from a regional production house blocked Rua Miguel Vicent Abreu, a major interior road as residents complained that no prior notice was served to them through official channels. The ESG and the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) should enforce a stricter protocol.
The residents demand a total ban on filming and equipment movement to restore peace in the herit age zone and call for a total ban on commercial photography and professional filming in specific heritage alleys of Sao Tome.
Since IFFI was shifted to Goa in 2004, the government has failed to establish a film studio that would have done away with inconvenience to the city residents. The residents complain that commercial shoots often start as early as 5:30 am. High-decibel equip ment, loud crews, and bright lighting severely disrupt the sleep and well-being of the locality’s large senior citizen population.
Film crews and influencers use private porches without permission and lean against fragile heritage walls. After the shoots end, public spaces are often left with significant litter. Residents find themselves trapped in their homes with no warning of the “sudden chaos” caused by incoming units.
