IFFI banks on making Goa permanent venue

‘‘Rs 1,000 crore has been earmarked,” said Prasad. Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said: ‘‘Panaji’s infrastructure needs to be streamlined and additions are required to the present set-up. Connectivity across Mandovi, from Campal to Aguadam, has to be considered so that commuting time is reduced to just 15 minutes. The Kala Akademy has to be upgraded which involves on expenditure of Rs 4 to 5 crore.’’

I&B Secretary Pawan Chopra said: ‘‘Besides eight to 10 theatres, a seminar-cum-conference hall, offices, and a theatre capable of accommodating 1,500 people is a must.’’

Apart from IFFI, a Broadcasting and Music Congress is also being planned at the same site. The committee, which decided to move IFFI to the proposed site, comprised prominent film personalities Yash Chopra, Amit Khanna, Bobby Bedi, Shekhar Kapur, Sony CEO Kunal Dasgupta and the I&B Secretary. Amit Khanna said: ‘‘The entertainment business is set to take a big leap forward. The film industry wants to contribute towards the success of this festival. Selection of Goa has given it a big boost. ’’

Film producer Shekhar Kapur, who was part of the team which visited Goa to finalise the site, said he is planning to develop a ‘Studio Asia’ in the state. He said: ‘‘India’s film industry has the prospects for attaining a turnover of $150 billion, provided we work alongside China. The South East Asian countries are coming forward in a big way and the focus of all entertainment-based activity is likely to be Asia in the near future. It is my endeavour that the best of Asia should be in Goa,’’ he said.

Kapur, who is working on his latest production Long Walk to Freedom based on the life of Nelson Mandela and is also due to start his new film Paani soon, said he hoped Goa would present a big opportunity to upcoming producers for showcasing their talent.