IFFI 2019: Goa to host 50th edition; Rajinikanth be conferred with 'Icon of Golden Jubilee' award
The 50th edition of International Film Festival of India will be held at Panaji in Goa from November 20 to November 28; Veteran actor Rajinikanth will be honoured with 'Icon of Golden Jubilee'
FollowPanaji: Goa is all set to host the 50th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) to be held from November 20 to November 28. Veteran actor Rajinikanth will be conferred with 'Icon of Golden Jubilee IFFI 2019' award, announced Union Minister Prakash Javadekar.
Rajinikanth reacted to the announcement and said "I thank the government of India for this prestigious honour bestowed upon me on the golden jubilee of the International film festival of India IFFI2019."
The Goa government would spend around Rs 18 crore on hosting the 50th edition of IFFI 2019 to be held at Panaji. Of the total budget, Rs 5.5 crore would be raised through sponsorships to reduce the financial burden on the government, he said.
Goa government along with Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry, has been hosting IFFI in the state since 2004.
"The estimated budget for the festival this time is around Rs 18 crore, of which Rs 5.5 crore would be raised through sponsorships," Subhash Faldesai, vice-chairman of the state-run Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), told PTI.
"We are trying to reduce the burden on the state government by roping in various sponsors for hosting the event," he added.
Faldesai said the entire content of the festival has been curated keeping in mind the requirement of the film lovers, critics and the local talent.
"This would be the most memorable edition of IFFI. There is a lot of scope for Goan talent and filmmakers. There will be a special section where locals, especially students of fine arts colleges, would be given a platform to showcase their talent. ESG would also be financing them for the project," he said.
Faldesai said this is the first IFFI edition to be held after the death of former Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar earlier this year.
"Current CM Dr Pramod Sawant has acted as a major facilitator for the event by clearing all the files in time," the office-bearer said.
The event would provide a boost to the state's economy as more than 10,000-12,000 delegates are expected to take part in it, he said.
(With PTI inputs)
