Goa in for a heady punch of fun, films

An international film festival in the land of sun, sand and feni. The Central Government couldn’t have chosen a better venue to host the International Film Festival of India (IFFI). And the Goa government isn’t complaining either. In fact, it has already set the ball rolling in its endeavour to be the perfect host and decide a good venue for the festival. Several sites in Panaji and Margao have been identified.

But nothing can beat South Goa’s Salcete taluka which has all the ingredients of a ‘numero-uno’ venue. It has five-star hotels which offer conference facilities and other services required for an international event all along the coast. Major hospitality chains include the Hyatt, Leela and the Taj. Then it has clean, virgin beaches which add up to its beauty. Also, the people are mostly English-speaking which makes it tourist-friendly.

Moreover, Margao, the taluka headquarters has been a cultural hub representing a confluence of both Konkani and Marathi cultures.

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Changing times and the overwhelming influence of the electronic media have taken its toll on theatres. So vigorous plans are afoot to give a facelift to old theatres. ‘‘We’ll transform them into multiplexes,” says Harish Zantye, owner of many theatres in Goa.

Emphasises CM Manohar Parrikar: “The government intends to promote IFFI in coordination with the private sector.” It has set aside a corpus fund of Rs 80 crore. “Four international companies and an Indian company have showed willingness to invest in Goa,” said Director of Information Rajesh Singh.