Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat on Wednesday acknowledged the graciousness shown by Minister for Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ambika Soni in ironing out the differences between Directorate of Film Festival (DFF) and Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) over the latter's role in the programming of the forthcoming International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2010).
Talking to presspersons here on Wednesday evening after his return from Delhi, Mr. Kamat said that he discussed the draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Goa and DFF for the IFFI 2010 with Ms. Soni who graciously accepted all the suggestions regarding programming aspects of the ensuing IFFI 2010.
Accordingly, ESG will continue to programme one Country Focus, one Foreign Retrospect, Premiers of Indian cinema and Small Films Centre.
DFF(coming under the Ministry of I&B) and ESG have decided to work in a completely homogenous manner to ensure that the prestigious international film festival is held in complete harmony, said the Chief Minister.
It was decided that the opening and closing ceremonies of the IFFI required further hype, and an Event Management Agency (EMA) may be hired to manage these ceremonies.
The EVM for the opening and closing ceremonies would be commissioned after the selection by a high-powered committee consisting of Secretary (I&B), DG, DFF, J.S. Films and CEO, ESG. The expenditure of opening and closing ceremonies will be borne by the DFF or met through sponsors, Mr. Kamat stated.
The pioneering role of ESG in creating the Short Film Center was acknowledged and lauded by the Ministry. It was decided to explore various ways and means to ensure proper integration of the Short Film Center with IFFI in consultation with DFF, Mr. Kamat said.
The IFFI 2010 will be held between November 22 and December 2 in the city.