Panaji – International Film Festival of India has become “Money Making Machine” for Bhartiya Janata Party. Data available with me shows that IFFI is reduced to a domestic festival. I challenge Chief
Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant to prove me wrong on these figures, stated Congress Media Cell Chairman Amarnath Panjikar.
Addressing a press conference at Congress House along with Rajesh Kochrekar and Shamila Siddique. Amarnath Panjikar cruticised the annoucements made by the Chief Minister that Goa government will spend around 28 crores on IFFI-2024. He said that BJP Government is spending such a huge amount on events with no benefits to Goans.
Every year Entertainment Society of Goa makes a false propoganda of touching 10000 delegate registration. This year Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant has told media that 8000 delegates register for IFFI every year. I want to place on record that delegate registration did not cross 7700 in last four editions of IFFI, said Amarnath Panjikar.
Although the so-called mega event is called International Film Festival, last year for IFFI-2023 only 162 foreign delegates attended the event. This shows that IFFI has lost its glory, said Amarnath Panjikar.
Central Government contributed only 76 lakhs for IFFI-2023. Sponsorship of just 5 lakhs was received by government from private sponsor in 2023. IFFI has failed as a brand and role of Goa Government is just of travel and hospitality agent, charged Amarnath Panjikar.
Government data shows that only one goan film “Wagro” was screened in Official Section of IFFI in last four editions of IFFI from 2020 to 2023. . It is clear that Government fooled the goan film fraternity by promising them that there films will be screened in IFFI, said Amarnath Panjikar.
International Film Festival has become a grazing ground for BJP functionaries. Tenders are awarded to select few with escalated costs of items. Works are of sub-standard quality which has resulted in national and international delegated turning their back to IFFI, Amarnath Panjikar said.
Congress Government had started the Goa Film Finance Scheme to promote local film producers. Many Goan producers availed benefit under the scheme. BJP Government after coming to power in 2012, kept the scheme dormant, alleged Amarnath Panjikar.
