PANAJI
It was a moment that reshaped Goa’s identity into a cultural and developmental hub on the global map – elevating it beyond the stereotype of merely an international tourist destination.
The year was 2004 and Goa found itself at the centre of an exciting makeover, carving its place on the film stage. Why the boost? Then, the Central government announced the shifting of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) from its long-time home in Delhi to the sunny shores of Goa.
It was the very first time that Goa would be hosting an event of such a large magnitude, all after the then Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar pitched the State as the ideal destination for the event.
The decision prompted a whirlwind of activity and although there were barely months to prepare, the State raced against time to build infrastructure that could match international standards.
Parrikar himself took charge of overall preparations, often seen walking through construction and renovation sites at odd hours, stick in hand (not for any ceremonial purposes but to shoo away stray dogs) as he inspected the progress of every work.
The buzz was infectious. For Goans, this pace of development was unprecedented. Panaji had the privilege to have Goa’s first-ever multiplex -- the four-screen Inox -- built from scratch in record time. From the beautification of the Miramar-to-Dona Paula stretch to the installation of nine light towers later called the Divja Circle, the entire city underwent a complete makeover.
The iconic cultural hub Kala Academy required upgrades and a new jetty was built to ferry celebrities, who arrived by boat in style. The site with its scenic backdrop thereafter became a film location itself.
When the festival finally began, Goa, particularly Panaji sparkled like never before. Streets and some vital government buildings were decorated with lights.
Stalls lined the roads selling street food and local crafts while live performances entertained crowds. Miramar beach and a few other places even had public screenings of movies. People didn’t mind walking miles to soak into the festive atmosphere.
Exclusivity was another highlight. Entry passes were a prized possession with many locals including students swapping them in rotation to ensure everyone got a taste of the cinematic magic. The theaters were packed and some attendees spilled onto stairs just to witness the screenings.
True to his word, Parrikar lobbied to make Goa a permanent home for IFFI, a vision that eventually became a reality. The first edition in 2004 wasn’t just about movies, it was about stepping into the spotlight.
