- News>
- Newspapers
Canne Goa do it? Yes, say Government and Bollywood: Pioneer
Goa, June 11: The Government on Tuesday announced that Goa would be India`s version of Cannes, Venice or Monte Carlo. The State, famed for its pristine beaches, will now be hosting all future international film festivals.
Goa, June 11: The Government on Tuesday announced that Goa would be India's version of Cannes, Venice or Monte Carlo. The State, famed for its pristine beaches, will now be hosting all future international film festivals.
The initiative to develop Goa as a hub for world cinema, is a tripartite attempt involving the Centre, the State Government and private investors. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar along with industry representatives Yash Chopra and Subhash Ghai formally launched the initiative here.
Addressing reporters, Mr Prasad said major investment for the project is anticipated to come from the industry and financial assistance would be rendered at the Central and State levels.
To develop a world-class infrastructure in the State, a team of experts from among Indian film makers and the Cannes film festival management will aid Mr Parrikar in conducting feasibility studies.
The Chief Minister said although most of Goa would be explored to set up multiplex theatres, areas near Panaji and Marmagoa, could become the initial focus. Mr Parrikar expressed enthusiasm that the first international festival could be held as earlier as 2004, if sponsorships and funds were tied up soon.
Currently, the State Government would concentrate in developing areas with higher intensity of five-star hotels so that stay of foreign delegates can be readily facilitated.
Arguing for the need to have a location branding for international festivals and also check expenses that result due to shifting venues each year, Mr Prasad said, "the practice of rotating the venue of film festivals has proved to be expensive and also fails to brand a particular city."
The project's first stage will see creation of transportation facilities, accommodations for visiting delegates and building multiplexes. The measure, said Mr Parrikar will spur tourism and increase Goa's stakes as a prime foreign exchange earner much more than its current capacity.
The initiative to develop Goa as a hub for world cinema, is a tripartite attempt involving the Centre, the State Government and private investors. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar along with industry representatives Yash Chopra and Subhash Ghai formally launched the initiative here.
Addressing reporters, Mr Prasad said major investment for the project is anticipated to come from the industry and financial assistance would be rendered at the Central and State levels.
To develop a world-class infrastructure in the State, a team of experts from among Indian film makers and the Cannes film festival management will aid Mr Parrikar in conducting feasibility studies.
The Chief Minister said although most of Goa would be explored to set up multiplex theatres, areas near Panaji and Marmagoa, could become the initial focus. Mr Parrikar expressed enthusiasm that the first international festival could be held as earlier as 2004, if sponsorships and funds were tied up soon.
Currently, the State Government would concentrate in developing areas with higher intensity of five-star hotels so that stay of foreign delegates can be readily facilitated.
Arguing for the need to have a location branding for international festivals and also check expenses that result due to shifting venues each year, Mr Prasad said, "the practice of rotating the venue of film festivals has proved to be expensive and also fails to brand a particular city."
The project's first stage will see creation of transportation facilities, accommodations for visiting delegates and building multiplexes. The measure, said Mr Parrikar will spur tourism and increase Goa's stakes as a prime foreign exchange earner much more than its current capacity.