Goan Film Fraternity Urges Overhaul of State Film Festival Regulations

Panaji : A delegation representing the Goan film community met with Ms. Mrunal Walke, General Manager of the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), on Thursday to voice serious concerns over ambiguities and inconsistencies in the Goa State Film Festival Regulations 2014 and related film policy matters.

The meeting, held at 11 a.m. at the ESG office, saw the delegation submit a detailed memorandum highlighting several clauses they described as outdated, contradictory, and detrimental to the interests of local filmmakers.

The delegation included prominent figures from the Goan film fraternity Rajesh Pednekar, Rajdeep Naik, Vishal Pai Cacode, Augie D’Mello, Saiesh Palondicar, Prashanti Talpankar, Dilip Prabhudesai, and Dnyaneshwar Govekar.

Key among their concerns was the inconsistency between Clause 4 (a), (b), and (c), which define eligibility periods for Feature and Non-Feature films. According to the delegation, these clauses conflict with provisions in Clause 9.3 (iv) and (v), creating confusion among applicants. They called for immediate harmonisation to ensure clarity and procedural fairness.

The fraternity also objected to references in Clause 9.3 (iii) to dates of the festival’s 5th, 6th, and 7th editions information they said is no longer relevant in the context of the 2025 festival. A revision was requested to align the regulations with current timelines.

Another major issue raised was the clause allowing only 15% Goan representation among cast and crew members. The delegation called this provision unjust and urged that the ratio be reversed, advocating for 85% Goan participation to ensure meaningful promotion of local talent.

Additionally, the absence of key award categories such as ‘Best Director’ under the Non-Feature Film section in Schedule II was flagged. The group recommended parity in recognition between Feature and Non-Feature segments.

The filmmakers also sought exemption from the requirement of a Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) certificate for Non-Feature Films, citing the financial and logistical challenges that independent filmmakers often face.

The delegation further appealed for an extension of the deadline to submit Domicile Certificates, suggesting that the final date coincide with the festival itself. They argued that this would give applicants adequate time to obtain required documents and prevent unjust disqualification.
Concluding the meeting, the delegation called for an urgent joint meeting between the Goan film fraternity and all relevant authorities. They also demanded a comprehensive review of the Goa Scheme of Financial Assistance for Films – 2016, with an emphasis on inclusive and transparent implementation to genuinely support Goan cinema.

Concluding the meeting, the delegation called for an urgent joint meeting between the Goan film fraternity and all relevant authorities. They also demanded a comprehensive review of the Goa Scheme of Financial Assistance for Films – 2016, with an emphasis on inclusive and transparent implementation to genuinely support Goan cinema.