Yes, there are number of film producers Associations in the trade. Till the past-time film federation of India (FFI) was given an honour, as it is identified as an apex body of film trade. But this year the body is neglected for all festival protocols. Film producers Guild of India has been given much importance instead. Interestingly both the bodies have common Hon. General Secretary. Members of the FFI circulated a note of boycott on the day of inauguration which is very poorly written, certainly it’s a not a language of Mr. S. Sen. I know him personally since many years. Mr. Supran Sen. When asked for his comment in this regard, he said he has nothing to say at this point, let us celebrate the festival first, he added.

There is also a problem with issue of general protocol & party invitations. It is circulated to whom…? it’s a question! Major producers and journalist are deprived of the official invitation and protocols. All the festival officers are running behind foreign delegates. Many Indian producers are unhappy with the treat they receive at the venue. Security arrangements are manned by private agency, that doesn’t care to identify the status of the delegate and invitees. Many times they don’t identify the guest and no protocol officers are deputed to receive them. Hindi super star Mr.Amitabh Bachchan and South Indian super star Mr.Chiranjivee received un-respectful treat. Carrying a camera in auditorium, even for the journalist, is banned for the fear of piracy.

36th International Film Festival has scored performance of past few days and it’s a need to evaluate the performance of the festival and the efforts of the organizers. Organizers are working hard to handle higher number of turnout of film enthusiast and the registered delegates.

Some films are rescheduled at the last minutes; it is a great inconvenience for organizing personal schedule. However it’s reasoned for creating pace for public demand.

Festival organizers have failed in managing local transport. It is available between point to point and that for VIP delegates only. Delegates having limited travel budget has to miss last films or depends on mercy of local operators and pay higher price.. It was not experienced in last year, many delegates said.

The film festival in Goa has to think very seriously about the local arrangements. Whether the festival is going to be a tourism event or will be a platform of serious film business? If its goes on…then, it will be a different scenario.
A report by Rajendra Joshi.