Programmes for IFFI-2008 to be held in Goa

NT NETWORK
Posted on 2009-01-13
PANAJI- The Governing Council of the Entertainment Society of Goa at its meeting held on Monday took a decision to organise the cultural programmes around the state, which were to coincide with the recently concluded International Film Festival of India, but were cancelled due to the terrorist attacks on Mumbai and the demise of the former prime minister, V P Singh.
The Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat later told ‘The Navhind Times’ that the programmes, most of which would be presented by the Goan performers, will be held at Kala Academy, Ravindra Bhavans at Margao and Curchorem and Rajiv Kala Mandir, besides other places.
“We are also trying to get artistes namely, Kavita Krishnamurthy and Sonu Nigam, who were to perform during the IFFI 2008,” he informed, pointing out that modalities are being worked out for the same.
The decision comes in the wake of the demand from the local artistes, who were scheduled to participate in the cultural programmes, and had spent money on the same, that they should be adequately compensated for their initial investment.
The Chief Minister, who is also the chairman of the Governing Council, responding to a suggestion from the members of the committee constituted for adaptive use of the old Goa Medical College building, further directed that the roof of the heritage edifice be immediately repaired before the monsoon.
The Governing Council supported the decision to hold at least three film festivals – Hungarian, Italian and Marathi – during the year. Another suggestion came up at the meeting as regards setting up of a food street/ food court in the city, preferable in the INOX courtyard, along the Campal promenade or any other place in the vicinity.
The meeting also agreed upon starting the work immediately for garnering sponsorship for the 40th edition of the IFFI. Yet another suggestion, which came up at the meeting maintained that the cultural programmes, which are held during the international film festival, be organised under the auspices of the department of art and culture.
The Governing Council meeting witnessed lot of fireworks, with some of the members of the Council levelling personal charges against one another. The meeting also witnessed heated debates over the expenditure incurred for the Short Film Centre activities during the film festival, including choice of the short films and documentaries at the SFC competition, IFFI 2008 report prepared by the ESG and the salary of the CEO of the ESG.