from daijiworld's special correspondent

Panaji, Aug 29: It's "Yeh Dil Mange More" for the organizers of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), 2006, scheduled to be held in Goa, as they aim to make the festival self-sustained by 2008.

With the state government proudly declaring its intentions to make IFFI self-sustained and get it out of union government's purview.

"This time we are looking out for more sponsorships. We aim to make it double compared to last year," stated Nandini Paliwal, chief executive officer, Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG). The ESG is a special government vehicle formed to hold IFFI.

Last year, IFFI had sponsorships worth Rs 2 crore. "This year, we aim to collect Rs 5 crore worth sponsorships for the festival," Paliwal said.

Riding on the advantage that they have enough time at their disposal this year, the ESG hopes to approach more people and garner better financial backing. Brilliant Entertainment Network, a public relations firm, has already bagged the contract for the event management of IFFI, 2006.

"We are backing Brilliant Entertainment Network who will be marketing IFFI to get sponsors. Last year, we had less time at our disposal," ESG CEO said.

The organizers intend to make IFFI 2006 a bigger event with plans to invite Hollywood biggies for the inauguration or the finale already being discussed in the board meetings.

The range of Bollywood stars with their budget was presented by the event management firm during last ESG board of directors' meeting. Sources disclosed that the event management firm spoke of who's who in Hindi film industry who could be asked to spare time to inaugurate or conclude the festival.

"We can't decide any star in one go… We have to discuss the logistics," stated a senior government officer, who is a member of BoDs.

By making the IFFI a bigger event, the organizers, this time, have decided to the hold inaugural ceremony at Darya Sangam, an open space next to Kala Academy building.