ESG markets 'Film Goa' at Cannes, takes lessons for IFFI 2007

Panaji, June 6 (UNI) The Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), which aims to organise the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in the near future on its own, got a first hand experience of the nitty-gritties of handling the event at the recently concluded Cannes Film Festival.

The ESG participated at the India Pavilion with a four member delegation led by Special Secretary (Information &Publicity), Goa Diwan Chand, ESG CEO Nandini Paliwal, ESG General Manager Nikhil Desai and ESG PRO Ethel Da Costa.

Talking to UNI here, Ms Da Costa said, 'Film Goa', a brand launched by ESG to promote Goa as a film shooting destination par excellence was the highlight at the India Pavilion in Cannes. Specially designed brochures and interactive CD-ROM on Film Goa, which promotes the 'moods of Goa' with locale scouting to suit different genres of cinema like action, thrillers, heritage, romance, suspense and family drama were displayed.

''Similarly, video and still shoots of Goa's urban, rural,seasonal and seascape locales were shown to delegates who visited the ESG counter at the India pavilion,'' Ms Da Costa said.

The ESG was a single window agency to advise filmmakers on logistical issues such as permissions, clearance and other film shooting related queries. ''Our effort was well received,'' she said.

''We have prepared to extensive document on how the Cannes film festival is organised and our first hand experience besides putting down suggestions on organising the IFFI in Goa. We also studied the details of the red carpet event, accreditation of media and delegates and interacted with Cannes officials,'' she added.

Once the new government is formed in Goa this week, the ESG will submit a presentation and its suggestions with request to be incorporated at the IFFI 2007 which begins here from November 23, Ms Da Costa said.

According to her, the ESG is of the opinion that fringe activities except the Beach cinema, surrounding the festival was a drain on the state's resources. At Cannes, the Red Carpet was an event by itself.

Similarly, beach cinema was hugely popular.

''Even we need to cultivate and strengthen them at IFFI. We have suggested that the focus should be on selection of films and facilities provided to the delegates and the media,''she said, adding that quality of local delegates also needs to be checked. At Cannes, delegates are categorised and the restrictions are strictly followed.

Ms Da Costa said Cannes has 17 screens including public theatres.

''We are trying are best to get five more screens in addition to the existing five (one at Kala Academy and four at Inox). Refurbishment of public theatres in Panaji -Samrat and Ashok is likely to be completed soon. Besides, two screens (75 and 200 seater) at Marquines Palace adjacent to the Old GMC building will also be available. Apart from this, an additional small screening facility in the existing Jury room will also be available at the Kala Academy,'' she added.

'' This year, as usual Directorate of Film Festivals (DFF) will handle invitations to international and local delegates and registeration, selection of chief guest, guest of honour, film selection and programming,content of the festival brochure,'' she said, adding that ESG will be just the facilitator of the event and designing and printing of the brochure.

Further Ms Da Costa said the ESG, has put on hold its decision to lease out the Old GMC building, a heritage structure which functions as the office of the DFF during the IFFI. The contract has been given Delhi based Fargo Estates. ''The company plans to convert the building into an art and heritage destination with high end retail players, art cafes,lounges,galleries to attract high end tourists,'' she said.

''We are not demolishing the building or selling it off as alleged. It will be maintained and refurbished by the private party without damaging the heritage structure,'' she added.

However, the bid has put on hold for the time being, Ms Da Costa said, adding, ''After the new government assumes power, the ESG will meet and discuss with the Government on the future course of action,''she said.

Meanwhile, the ESG will shift its office from Old GMC building to the nearby Marquines Palace building,renovation of which is in full progress.

UNI