IFFI to go rural

| 09 November 2005 19:40 IST

The 36th International Film Festival in India would also be extended to the countryside of Goa from this year, scheduled to begin here from 24 November.

The major event however would be concentrated in the capital town of Panaji, amidst tight security arrangements.

According to chief minister Pratapsing Rane, the inaugural ceremony would be brought out in open air pandal, to accommodate minimum 2000 delegates.

The first event, held last year in Goa, created immense problems for the delegates including film stars since the 900-seater Kala Academy auditorium could not accommodate all.

The state would now erect a special pandal next to INOX multiplex, where all the films would be screened in four theatres. Though Rane has allayed rumors of terrorist attack on Goa, he said the event would be held under tight security arrangements.

Speaking to journalists after releasing the poster and logo designed by renowned cartoonist Mario Miranda, Rane said they would also screen films on the beaches and in the suburban towns, creating filmy environment all over the state.

In addition, the streets of Panaji would also stage concerts, children’s workshop and several other events for the delegates, during the 11-day festival that would end on 4 December.

Briefing the media about the meeting he had with union minister for information and broadcasting Jaipal Reddy in Delhi, Rane said he had requested the centre to hold IFFI in January or February from the next year as November-December brings immense pressure on the tourism inflow.

Flaying the demand made by his West Bengal counterpart to shift the IFFI venue to Calcutta, Rane said: let them cry hoarse, but the Centre has declared Goa a permanent venue.

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