The Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting and Culture, Shri S. Jaipal Reddy today assured full support of Central Government in making Goa a successful venue for International Film Festival. Speaking at the first meeting of the Organizing Committee of 36th International Film Festival of India here today, he appreciated the efforts being made by the Government of Goa in organizing a festival of bigger magnitude and quality despite time constraint. He said in view of the keen interest shown by the State Government, Centre has decided to make Goa a permanent venue for International Film Festival of India.
Shri Reddy said that the State Government should work towards generating international appeal for the festival and aim at bringing the festival at international level at the earliest. He said that his Ministry would extend all possible cooperation in making this event a grand success. Shri Reddy assured the State Government that he would personally intervene to ensure enhanced air travel facility to the venue and directed Ministry officials to get in touch with Indian Airlines and other private domestic operators to facilitate smooth transit to Goa during the period of festival.
The Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Pratapsingh Rane in his opening remarks thanked the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting for making Goa a permanent venue and projecting it as film destination. He said his Government would like to take festival screenings to two or three other towns in future to meet the aspirations of the people of Goa as they have immense liking for festivities. Shri Rane said at a time when Indian films are making a mark globally, a permanent venue for film festival would catalyze industry’s effort in gaining further success.
The 36th International Film Festival of India is being organized by Government of India with close collaboration and support of the State Government of Goa from 24th of this month. The objective is to showcase a selection of the best of global and Indian cinema and bring together film industry professionals, film students, film marketing professionals, the media and the general public to promote excellence in cinema and further expand business opportunities.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, State Government and other organizations involved in organizing the festival participated in the Organizing Committee meeting today.
NNK/AS
(Release ID :13112)