IFFI may have 'open' opening

| 24 November 2004 23:25 IST

Besides finalising the list of dignitaries to be present for the function, the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) organisers have another task at their hand. Finalising the inaugural venue.

IFFI organisers still are confused over the venue for holding inaugural session. Questionmark still prevails whether Kala Academy would be the inaugural venue or it would be shifted to open ground situated one kms away from Kala Academy in Panaji. Neither Entertainment society of Goa nor Directorate of film festivals could clarify on the venue.

Veteran actor Dilip Kumar in presence of Information and Broadcasting minister Jaipal Reddy would inaugurate the 10-day long festival.

Till last week, Kala Academy was finalised as inauguration venue. But the confirmation of A R Rehman's performance stirred the controversy. Chief minsiter Manohar Parrikar himself was not in favour of holding A R Rehman show in Kala Academy, which was a part of inaugural function. Mr Parrikar's objection was genuine. The 900-odd seater Dinanath Mangueshkar auditorium in Kala Academy would not have been able to accomodate the crowd.

The press information bureau (PIB) officials confirmed that 350 journalists will be covering the inaugural event. Besides this, there will be delegates and VVIPs who would not have found enough place in the auditorium.

As a fist step, chief minister was able to convince director of film festival Neelam Kapur to shift the A R Rehman show from four walls of Kala Academy to open ground situated one kilometre away from it.

Inaugural function now stands divided into two parts. While formal inaugural function would be held in Kala Academy, Rehman show will be performed on open ground. The delegates will again return back to Kala Academy to view the first film of festival Mira Nair's Vanity Fair.

Organisers are also thinking to hold entire function on the open grounds. Ms Kapur confirmed that they are still looking out the place to hold Rehman's show.

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