Konkani film in for Indian Premiers section of IFFI

Panaji, Nov 6 : A five-member jury, headed by renowned film maker Pankaj Parashar, has selected eight films for inclusion in the Indian Premiers section of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), commencing here from November 23.

The eight included a Konkani film 'Zagor', directed by Sangam Gaikwad, besides three Hindi films - 'Red Alert', 'Shahrukh Bola Khoobsorat Hai Tu' and 'I am 24', two English films 'And It Goes' and 'God Lives in the Himalayas', apart from 'Vimukhti' (Kannada), 'Janma' (Marathi).

The jury, according to Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, had viewed all 24 films and shortlisted the eight for the Indian premiers.

The jury had also shortlisted 20 films in the International Competition represented by Germany, Ecquador, UK, India, Italy and France.

Meanwhile, the selection panel had recommended six films for inclusion in the Vasudha Award category, two of which are from Goa titled 'Peace of Mind', directed by Rajesh Pednekar, and 'Focus on Rivers' by Nalini Elvino De Costa.

Manoj Srivastava, Chief Executive Officer of the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), nodal agency of the government for the conduct of the IFFI since 2004, said the number of films shot in Goa had been on rise.

Last year, as many as 16 films were shot and this year so far 24. The ESG desired to encourage shooting of more quality films in Goa by taking advantage of the scenic locales and ambience of the international tourist destination.

The ESG had completed the programming work related to the conduct of the IFFI, even as it was poised to organise a 'Corniche Fair' from November 22, coinciding with the IFFI at the festival venue.

Two performance stages would also be erected at the INOX courtyard and a Kingfisher Village would come up on the banks of River Mandovi to entertain the delegates.

The organisers had also decided to screen films of the IFFI in 10 auditoria at Kala Academy, Maquinez Palace, INOX complex in the city and Ravindra Bhavan in Margao. The city auditoria were open to the public through a day delegate pass of Rs 100 per day.

--UNI

(c) 2009 Published with permission from United News of India.
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