Soni to miss IFFI, deputes Mamata

Soni to miss IFFI, deputes Mamata
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, NOV 20
Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni will not be present for the inauguration of the 41st edition of International Film Festival of India’s (IFFI) scheduled on November 22.
Chief Minister Digamber Kamat said that the minister is not well and she will not be present for the inaugural.
“She has deputed Union Railways Minister Mamata Banerjee for the function,” he said addressing a press conference today.
The 10-day festival, which will be inaugurated by renowned filmmaker Yash Chopra, will also see the presence of actor Ajay Devgan, Goa Governor Dr S S Sidhu and Chief Minister Digambar Kamat. 
When asked, Kamat refused to comment why Amitabh Bachchan was not being invited for the festival stating that it is for the Directorate of Film Festivals (DFF) to decide on it.
“Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) does not interfere and the ministry decides on such issues,” he stated.
Bachchan’s political affiliations were considered as a reason not to invite the mega-star for country’s international film festival.
Talking more about the festival, Kamat said around 27 films will be screened at the Ravindra Bhavan auditorium in Margao.
“A total of 27 films would be screened here. People can get tickets on the spot and also delegates can see the movies here,” the chief minister said.
Appreciating the government’s decision to hold IFFI in the State, the CM said that IFFI in the State is paying rich dividends and state has started producing movies of its own.
“The response to State government’s film finance scheme is also on the rise,” he added.
This year’s addition will be screening nearly 100 odd films in the various sections, which includes 80 in the world section, 15 in the international section, 55 Chhota cinema and 30 in the short film centre category.