The International Film Festival of India is back and so are the films. The eighth edition of the mega film fiesta in Goa, will be screening more than 100 films from 65 countries this time, including Portugal, Spain, Croatia, Poland, France and New Zealand, besides others, in addition to two of the major film producing countries in the world – India and America; the USA having a special section Country Focus dedicated to its movies. The IFFI silver screen has much to offer to film lovers, followers as well as connoisseurs this year too
Fortunately, IFFI 2011, which will have the opening ceremony shifted to Margao, in South Goa for the first time since its arrival in the state, has been revived from its lacklustre form that was much evident these last two years. This year, after taking a short break from the event management agencies, the organisers have decided to rope in an EVM – M/s Percept Profile – as well as seek the help of three-time national award winner for art direction in films, Thota Tharani to make the opening and closing ceremonies affairs to remember. The organisers intend to spend a fortune on the décor at the opening and closing functions this year.
Another highlight of the event is the 35 tents pitched at Campal, along the picturesque Mandovi River, approximately 500 metres from the festival venue. The area will be barricaded and guarded 24 hours and will have separate tents for gents and ladies. The tents would include one cotton mattress, a bed sheet, bed cover and pillow, besides one pedestal fan; each tent accommodating 8 beds. Availability of food, lockers and washrooms, besides free transport arrangement every 15 minutes from this Film Village to the festival venue will facilitate occupants of the village. Interestingly, eye-pleasing illumination along the route passing through the festival venue in Panaji reminds one of IFFI 2004. The D B Bandodkar Road, running parallel to the Campal promenade has been decorated with lights since the inaugural film festival in Goa; however, the lighting seemed to fade, especially during the last 2 to 3 years. Fortunately, this year, the area looks well lit.
This film festival also marks the return of the entertainment programmes at Kala Academy’s amphitheatre for the public. In addition, the opening venue of the IFFI 2011 – Ravindra Bhavan – will have food courts set up near its newly developed open-air stage, which will allow the general public to enjoy cultural events while savouring delicacies. And for those who cannot enjoy the festival films, an open-air screening of a special section on ‘Soccer in Cinema’ has been proposed at the Campal football ground, which will exhibit one film per day for a week. The former Indian football team captain, Baichung Bhutia is expected to be present at the football films’ opening.
Additionally, the Ministry of Tourism has linked itself with the IFFI 2011 through its ‘Incredible India’ campaign, and as a principal co-sponsor of the mega film event, the Ministry is expected to contribute ` 2.7 crore towards the sponsorship money. A number of short films and documentaries about tourism will also be screened during the film festival. Furthermore, the change in attitude of the organisers towards the delegates can be clearly seen at the Maquinez Palace, especially at the site reserved for issuance of delegate cards. A number of cream-white, plush sofas placed under a pandal, and serving of the cold drinks – all for the delegates awaiting collection of their IFFI cards - is definitely a pleasing sight.
The schedule of films to be screened during the first six days of the mega film festival, including the day of the inauguration is already out and a glance through it clearly informs that this year, the delegates of the annual movie event are in for a mix bag of films. Some of these films are in top-notch bracket, while others are so-so; thus simplifying the selection procedure for the audiences as also offering some breathing space to them in the hectic 11-day extravaganza. All in all, the setting for the eighth edition of the International Film Festival of India in Goa appears to be finely poised, with each participant of the mega film event expected to pick his or her own choice and get engrossed in the proceedings on the silver screen. After all, that is the reason why film festivals are held… and succeed!
