The Ravindra Bhavan in Baina-Vasco.
Photo Credits: Vikram Nayak
VASCO
As Goa gears up to host the 55th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Panaji, people in the port town of Vasco are eagerly hoping that the festival’s cheer will extend beyond the capital city.
Though IFFI has been a celebrated annual event since it became a permanent fixture in Goa in 2004, residents in Vasco argue that the festival’s benefits remain largely confined to Panaji, missing out on engaging audiences in other parts of the State.
With the 55th IFFI to be held in Panaji from November 20 to 28, the excitement around the event has already begun to build.
However, for many film enthusiasts in Goa’s other regions, the festival remains a distant affair. Despite Vasco’s proximity to Dabolim Airport—where visitors see signs of the festival with vibrant decor and celebrity arrivals—the town’s residents say there is little else in the way of celebrations or screenings for locals to enjoy.
Calls for better access to IFFI across Goa
Film enthusiasts in Vasco and other parts of Goa say the festival’s exclusivity to Panaji limits its cultural impact. Many are forced to travel to the capital if they want to partake in the screenings, a costly and time-consuming option for some.
Locals argue that extending IFFI screenings to venues like Ravindra Bhavans in different talukas would align with the festival’s mission to celebrate world cinema and foster cultural exchange across India.
One Vasco resident shared his view on the matter: “We only notice IFFI when celebrities arrive at the airport, but the festival offers nothing for most Goans. If the government is promoting hinterland tourism, why not bring IFFI to places like Vasco, where we already have excellent facilities like Ravindra Bhavan?”
Past IFFI screenings in Vasco
Some Vasco residents recall that screenings were once organised at Baina Beach and even at the local 1930 Mall.
Now, with the modern Ravindra Bhavan complex in Baina equipped with advanced facilities, many believe, and hope, that Vasco should host IFFI screenings once again.
The Ravindra Bhavan in Baina, which includes the fully air-conditioned Swatantra Veer Savarkar auditorium with Dolby surround sound and a seating capacity of 740, was recently renovated and upgraded with a state-of-the-art AC chiller plant.
As the festival approaches, Vasco’s residents wait to see if their call for inclusive screenings will be heard. Extending IFFI’s reach across the State, they argue, would make the festival more accessible and provide a much-needed boost to the local arts and film culture.
With all eyes on the State’s preparations for the 55th edition, it remains to be seen if this will be the year the IFFI finally branches out, allowing Vasco and other parts of Goa to share in the magic of the event.
Ravindra Bhavan ready, waiting for IFFI screenings: Chairman
VASCO: Chairman of Ravindra Bhavan Baina (RBB) Jayant Jadhav shared his enthusiasm for IFFI screenings in Vasco, if the government approves to the idea.
“We have first class infrastructure at the Baina beach and this complex has all facilities and amenities required to offer free screenings of movies. We have recently upgraded the infrastructure in June and also got a brand new AC chiller plant in the RBB in May this year,” said Jadhav.
“We have also begun painting the RBB so that it can become even more attractive in case IFFI screenings can be done here. The RBB is very capable with best sound system and a fully AC Swatantra Veer Sawarkar auditorium that has been renovated recently and has a capacity of 740 seater screening facility. We have Dolby Surround sound with digital console.”
“We also have a lot of space available for ample parking and we are ready to host the screening if the government considers it. We are, any ways, hosting so many Tiatrs and Nataks on a daily basis and even hosting several Mahotsavas,” Jadhav added.
