Film Fraternity Urges CM Dr. Sawant to Revive State’s Film Industry Ahead of IFFI 2025

Panaji:  Leading filmmakers from Goa have urged Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant to take immediate and decisive steps to revitalise the state’s struggling film industry and uphold the dignity of Goan cinema at the upcoming International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025.

At a press conference in Panaji, National Award-winning filmmaker Laxmikant Shetgaonkar, along with film artist Saiesh Pai Panandikar and former ESG member Vishal Pai Cacode, called upon the Chief Minister and the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) to address the long-standing issues faced by the local film fraternity.

Shetgaonkar criticised the government for the continued delay in releasing funds under the Goa Film Finance Scheme, saying that bureaucratic inefficiency and neglect have crippled local filmmaking. “The scheme was introduced to encourage Goan cinema, but it now suffers from administrative apathy. If the government is serious about nurturing Goan talent, it must release the sanctioned funds before IFFI 2025, not after the festival, when the attention fades,” he said.

Vishal Pai Cacode expressed concern over IFFI’s declining international reputation, citing poor attendance of foreign delegates and a lack of sponsorship in recent years. “IFFI’s brand value is diminishing because the host state itself fails to celebrate its own filmmakers. If Goa does not stand by its creative community, how can it expect the world to?” he questioned.

Calling for fair recognition of Goan films at IFFI, Saiesh Pai Panandicar demanded that the internationally acclaimed Konkani film Ancessao be officially screened at the festival. He said it was unjust that films like Claudia, which were not part of the Indian Panorama selection, received special screenings, while award-winning Goan productions were ignored. “If ESG and NFDC can recognise other films, they must also honour Ancessao, which has brought global recognition to Konkani cinema,” he said.

The filmmakers also urged the government to commemorate the centenary of veteran Goan cinematographer K. Vaikunth during IFFI 2025. They proposed a retrospective of his films and a special session to honour his pioneering contribution to Indian cinema.

 “The time for symbolic gestures is over,” Shetgaonkar said. “What Goa’s film industry needs now is genuine support and decisive action from the Chief Minister to make IFFI a true celebration of Goan creativity.”