Chief Minister of Goa, Dr Pramod Sawant speaks to Business Goa in the backdrop of the 53rd International Film Festival of India (IFFI), and shares his thoughts on Goa being an entertainment destination In Conversation with PAVAN AGNI
‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, is the permanent motto of IFFI which is its core philosophy. What are your thoughts on the background of IFFI that commenced from 2004?
To begin with, the Government of India and most importantly the former Chief Minister of Goa, late Manohar Parrikar initiated IFFI in Goa and made it the permanent venue for hosting it. This is a proud occasion for every Goan as Goa slowly got more recognition and importance because of IFFI. IFFI has embodied the theme ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ for many years. The inauguration of the 53rd International Film Festival will be held on 20th of November and this shows how much time is required to prepare for this event (IFFI). Along with NFDC and ESG, both bodies are working together to make IFFI more successful. Firstly, the event took place virtually in 2020; and then it was held in hybrid mode in 2021. Now, after easing of covid, IFFI will take place in a complete physical form, and that is why the NFDC and the ESG have teamed up together, and will do their best to make IFFI a successful event.
As you have been the CM since 2019, what would you like to say about your association with IFFI?
In 2019, the Chief Guest was renowned actor Amitabh Bachchan. As CM it was my first film festival. I remember in 2012, I joined IFFI as a MLA. In 2019, I directly got the opportunity to inaugurate IFFI as Chief Minister, along with Amitabh Bachchan and other esteemed dignitaries. This inauguration became a special moment for me. After that in 2020, we had to host it in the virtual form and in 2021 it was in a hybrid mode. Today, once again IFFI 2022 is going to be held in its full form and it is an opportunity, where we will make it the best to celebrate the idea of cinema. The NFDC, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur and his team has lent us the support that we needed. There will be delegates from all over the world, national delegates, film makers, jury members from different parts of the world who are enthusiastic to attend this year’s IFFI.
Goans have played a key role as musicians, actors even film makers. What is the thought of having a film city, from the government’s perspective in the next 5 to 10 years?
If we look at it that way, there are very few Goans who are involved in the film industry. The ones who went to Mumbai have set up their film related businesses, like movie shoots, film making and a few are engaged in singing. The Hyderabad Film city, which I have seen personally, is huge and big. And constructing such a massive film city is unviable in Goa. Many film makers approach and discuss this issue. OTT platforms along with various other platforms, film making, especially digital film making platforms are approaching us. It still remains a question whether we can plan such a huge film city. Many people have approached me with various proposals that they are ready to invest in a film city and seek land. But due to land shortage in Goa, we are still evaluating the feasibility of a film city to meet their requirements. There will continue to be film shoots in Goa and ESG is offering single window clearance for the same. Many film shoots take place in Goa and it has the appropriate infrastructure, although human resources are still a challenge. Therefore, it is easier to make the film city when both the aspects are present – infrastructure, and human resource. So in the long run, whatever support is needed from the Goa government to build the film city will be provided. Hence, we require skilled manpower, so that there will be proper infrastructure and human resource in one place.
You spoke of OTT platforms in which the regional film ‘Wagro’, released last year reached great heights. There is a lot of talent in the local population, be it in Konkani or Marathi films. From this perspective is there anything, from school level curriculum or at university level that can further help develop such talent which is free flowing right now?
At present there is skill development in various fields. So we keep going with skilling, re-skilling and up-skilling. Now, when it comes to film shoots, Kala Academy, the Art and Culture Department and Fine Arts College help in this procedure. Kala Academy specialises in drama along with diploma courses. Fine Arts College also offers a number of courses. Apart from that, the training and skills required for creating a film are very different from the ones that these academies offer. Hence, it is only possible to enhance these skills if certain courses are available for film making. And if someone who possesses such skills and wants to start a course, then we are ready to provide them the required infrastructure in the initial stage. Then they can set up a good site for shoots and proper offices. The reason we want to support such courses/ educational idea is because there is raw talent in Goa. These can be seen in Konkani films, Marathi films and even in Hindi films. The skills needed for film shoots, production and the various stages in film making are present in the people of Goa.
Can we look at IFFI as an industry that will generate certain income for the exchequer or indirectly for the local people?
It is not directly for the exchequer. IFFI which is being held in Goa since 2004 benefits every Goan, Goan artistes, and the people working the in film industry. The producers, directors who come to the state need to grab this opportunity. At present, International and National Film Bazaar has commenced in Goa. As a result, there will be a large number of professionals from the film business there, including writers, producers, and those involved in the development and filming of the movie.
Hence, we must establish appropriate communication with them, and are prepared to use ESG to bridge the communication gap. In a nutshell, the government is willing to assist with the gap analysis. So people need to understand how to benefit from it. IFFI which is organised by ESG has set up a platform for the talent pool. We are making sure that Marathi film festival that is being organised in Goa receives a boost. In short the government is planning to initiate a Konkani Film Festival in Goa to celebrate Goan talent. We have been financially supporting Konkani films for a long time now. Along with it, ESG has played a huge role in organising workshops and various activities to help boost this industry.
Goa has a rich culture. Do you believe that the government can take action to promote our traditions and culture?
Goa, which stretches from Pernem to Canacona, is home to a wide range of artistic expressions and diverse populations. For instance, in Canacona, you may find traditional dance forms like Goff, and during the Shigmo festival, we have the Talgadi, Ghodemodni, and Veerbhadra.
As a result, Goa is home to numerous cultural celebrations. Additionally, several platforms are being developed by the Departments of Art and Culture to promote these festivals. We have plans to showcase local artistes through a variety of outlets during IFFI, this time. Through these preparations, we intend to provide these artistes a stage on which to showcase their abilities both domestically and abroad.
Tiatr is a significant form of entertainment in the state. It is a part of the culture and its people. However, the majority of those that participate in Tiatr do it as a side employment. So, should they expect any kind of post-retirement benefits, and for how long should they hold out hope that the government will take such action?
Just as we have Tiatr, we also have Natak. There are a lot of people involved in Nataks who do not receive any government post-retirement payments. But one piece of news that I have heard repeatedly is that the government offers post-retirement benefits through the DDSSY programme to the majority of those over the age of 60.
We are aware that having that kind of respect is essential for artists. For professional artists over the age of 50, the government is also introducing the Kalakar pension. Hence the same benefits may be applicable to Tiatr artistes as well.
Panaji has been the permanent venue of IFFI in Goa since 2004. It can be seen that only a few people who live close to the venue, enjoy the festival. Can we look at it as Goa’s festival?
If we take a look at it, Panaji will remain the permanent venue for IFFI, as people have different interests and attraction towards this festival. Some come to enjoy the films, some are keen of spotting their favourite actors, and some come to see wonderful decorations in the city during this festival. So those who are really interested in being a part of this celebration will enjoy it no matter where it is being held. To look at it from a practical point of view, it is impossible to organise such a large scale event throughout the state. We have come up with alternate ideas, including cinema screenings on the beach, in public spaces, and even screening on wheels, all over the State. Through this, many Goans get a chance to watch international and national films. Consequently, those who appreciate viewing movies will enjoy themselves at this event.
What movie, according to you, have you seen multiple times with your family and is one of your favourites?
I won’t lie; I don’t watch movies that frequently. But KGF which my daughter really wanted to watch because of its action scenes was the latest movie that I watched with my family. I have watched The Kashmir Files earlier. And Kantara was one movie I watched at Inox recently. Aside from that, time does not permit me to watch a movie more than once; one viewing is sufficient.
