National

Goa will remain permanent film festival venue

PANAJI: Putting to rest the speculation that the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) may be moved out of Goa next year, Minister for Information & Broadcasting (I&B) Priyaranjan Dasmunsi made it unequivocally clear that Goa would continue to be the permanent venue and assured Central support to the State to upgrade its infrastructure.

Mr. Dasmunsi was speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the 38th edition of the IFFI on Friday.

Earlier, at a simple ceremony, chief guest and noted film actor Shahrukh Khan lit the inaugural lamp in the presence Tamil actor Priya Mani to mark the opening of the 38th edition of the film festival, IFFI-2007.

Chief Minister of Goa Digambar Kamat, Secretary for I&B Asha Swarup, Goa Chief Secretary J.P. Singh and several film personalities were present. The festival will close on December 3.

Mr. Shahrukh Khan expressed gratitude towards the ordinary people who patronised the film industry and dedicated the IFFI in its 38th year to the people of the country.

Mr. Dasmunsi said the government had plans to hold many film festivals, including regional festivals, in different parts of the country, but this would not prevent Goa from continuing as a permanent venue for the IFFI.

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