Independent Goa Observer

FESTIVAL OF FILMS AND FLOATS

THE INTERNATIONAL Film Festival of India has finally begun. The stars have arrived (if only in small numbers), hordes of journalists have descended on the capital city and the stretch from Kala Academy to the Old GMC Complex are abuzz with activity (never mind that the media and the volunteers outnumber the delegates who have registered purely for the sake of watching quality films). The action is not only at the screening theatres, but also on the promenade between Kala Academy and the Old GMC Complex where Goan artists have been hired by the ESG to show off their talent. GOAN OSERVER brings you a pictorial essay on the goings on at IFFI.

IFFI Goa 2004 was kick started with a colourful float parade which began at the Ribandar Circle and ended at the Kala Academy Complex. The ten floats were led by a purple peacock (the IFFI symbol) with a globe on its back and the flags of various nations. The unique blend of the East and West in Goa’s culture was demonstrated when floats carrying local musicians belting out Goan songs with western beats were followed by performers dancing to the beat of the ghumot and the dholl tashe. Two sponsored floats were that of Kingfisher and State Bank of India. The crowd favourite, however, was a float depicting a scene common in rural villages: farmers carrying hay on bullock carts and women separating the wheat from the chaff.

The ESG has organised the ‘cultural’ bonanza on the promenade with a view to highlight the talent of local Goans. The delegates and locals alike were ‘wowed’ by this performer who achieved the amazing feat of juggling three tennis balls!

This fire dancer and his partner had Panjimites enthralled, but the ushers had to form a circle to make sure none of the viewers got close enough to catch fire.

Parading on the promenade on his stilts, this performer has gained popularity among the public.

Students of a catering college have put their vegetable sculptures on display opposite the Old GMC Complex.

Handicrafts and earthenware are on display in several stalls on the promenade and passers by occasionally get to see how potters mould balls of clay into attractive vases.

Reporters from the national media bitterly complained that the Festival lacked an essential component of any film festival: superstars and glamour. They got their dose of glam and then some when Amitabh Bachchan stepped into the Kala Academy. This was the scene outside the Black Box before the Bachchan press conference when media people pushed and tussled to ensure entry and a seat in the room. All this while Bachchan was watching the film ‘Yesterday’ in the auditorium, one hour before the press conference commenced!

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