Goa could host the International Film Festival of India next December if Panaji, the state capital, is selected as the permanent venue, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said.
A key advisory group led by film personalities like Yash Chopra and Subhash Ghai has shortlisted the Aguada plateau in north Goa and Cavelossim in south Goa as possible venues.
According to Chopra, who prefers the state's coastal area as the venue, Goa should provide hovercraft facilities for people to commute to the venue, rather than road transport.
Parrikar, however, is inclined towards Panaji. What is required, he says, is the building of two multiplexes behind the old Goa Medical College complex and a convention centre at Patto Plaza. The old GMC building could also be renovated. He fears a new venue may not be ready by December.
After a meeting held two days ago, it has been decided that the venue will be fixed by the end of the month, subject to criteria like floating population, commercial viability, and round-the-year activity that could generate revenue.
The meeting was attended by Anjuly Duggal, joint secretary, films, Government of India; Bobby Bedi, Kaleidoscope Ltd; Neelam Kapoor, director, film festivals; and Meera Tshering, who represented the Government of India, apart from local ministers and officials.
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