Goa to host IFFI this year

Ending days of speculation Chief Minister Pratapsingh Rane told Business Standard on Wednesday that Goa would indeed play host to the 36th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), slated for later this year.

Rane also said that the Central government has virtually agreed to make Goa the permanent venue for the festival.

The government has spruced up its act to host the mega international event. The IFFI is scheduled to be held from 24 November to 4 December this year in the state.

"The state government will be signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) by end of this week with the Directorate of Film Festival (DFF)," Rane said.

However, the Central government is yet to declare Goa as a permanent venue for IFFI. Kolkata, Hyderabad and Delhi too are vying for "permanent venue" status.

After criticising the earlier BJP government for spending nearly Rs 100 crore on the infrastructure required for IFFI, the Congress-led government two months ago said that it would consider Central government's request to host IFFI in Goa, provided Rs 100 crore were sanctioned to the state.

Rane also said that the IFFI celebrations would be held on the Calangute, Colva and Miramar beaches.

In the last edition, films were screened in Miramar to packed audiences. Rane said that the cost of holding the event would be Rs 3 crore, which will be shared equally by the state and Central government.

"Tourism industry is the backbone of Goa's economy and IFFI has helped the tourism sector," said Elvis Gomes, managing director of Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC). Last year, the state government invested over Rs 200 crore and managed ot earn a a profit of 25 per cent. "This year as well we expect to earn as much as lasyt year," Gomes said.