from Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji (GA)

Panaji, Nov 17: The section of Goan film-makers have expressed their grouse over the organization of International Film Festival of India (IFFI), which according to them, has left out indigenous film-makers.

Motion Picture Producers Association of Goa (MPPAG), a body representing Goan film-makers has expressed its bitterness over lack of representation to the short films in the short film corner organized during IFFI 2008.

"The short film corner does not feature any Goan film despite several entries from indigenous film-makers," observed Arnold D'Costa, MPPAG chief, briefing presspersons here.

He said that the film festival, this year, was supposed to have Goan panorama section, which has been forgotten by the organizers.

D'Costa said that the state government and entertainment society of Goa, nodal agency to hold IFFI, has done nothing to increase funding for the promotion of films in local languages – Marathi and Konkani.

"The state government is responsible for promoting films in the local languages. We have had several rounds of meetings with the government and the ESG representatives, but finance is not forthcoming," Rohidas Shirodkar, renowned Goan film-maker and MPPAG general secretary, reacted during the conference.

The film-makers are also surprised over the selection of jury members from Goa.

"Prasad Gurav and Dr Pramod Salgaonkar have produced just one film each. They have absolutely no experience and yet they are on the jury," Shirodkar alleged.

The objection is also raised on the extensive spending on cultural events during IFFI. "In all Rs 80 lac is spent on cultural activities. The money should have been channelled towards promotion and creation of films in the local languages," the film-makers stated during the conference on Monday November 17 evening.