South delegation feels jilted at IFFI, protests

South delegation feels jilted at IFFI, protests
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, NOV 24
A delegation of South Indian film distributors and exhibitors held protests outside Kala Academy today evening alleging their films are not given importance in the on-going International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2010.
Members of Kerela Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) and Film Exhibitors Federation held protests when Chief Minister Digambar Kamat was attending a function at the festival venue.
“We are being distanced from the festival. They are not selecting proper films from South India even though there are several films which could have been selected for the festival,” KFCC member Subramanyam told reporters at the venue.
He alleged that south Indian filmmakers were not even treated properly during the inaugural. “Film Federation of India’s President L Suresh was not even invited on the stage to light the lamp,” Subramanyam, popularly known as ‘Evershine Mani’ in South India, said.
Liberty Bashir, President of Film Exhibitors Federation, said that festival organizers have committed gross mismanagement at the festival. “We find it difficult to get tickets.  Theatres are half empty while tickets counters say they are full,” he said.
The protestors later met Chief Executive Officer of the Entertainment Society of Goa Manoj Shrivastava, who assured them that the ticket issuance would be streamlined.
Subramanyam said that following their complaints, the organizers have assured to look into their demands. “From next year onwards, at least 30 per cent tickets would be reserved for us (South Indian),” he added.