The 36th International film Festival of India (IFFI-2005) got off to colorful start at Panaji, Goa in India This evening. The Inaugural ceremony was preceded bu a carnival which included floats, Cultural pageantry and other festivities. The hour-long carnival procession and dazzling spectacles was watched by thousands of local people on route. Evergreen star of Hindi cinema Mr. Dev Anad was the chief guest for the inagural where as popular telugu film star Mr Chiranjivi was the guest of Honor. Actress Bipasha Basu and Tara added further glamour to the event. Union Minister Shri S.Jaipal Reddy and Goa Chief Minister Shri Pratap Singh Rane, Jury members, noted film personalities were present at this occasion.

Brazilian Film “Olga” opened the film screening at the 10 day extravanza. The Film is Directed by Jayme Monjardim, the film chronicles the true story of the German revolutionary Olga Benario Prestes.

In Opening remarks, Shri Devanand felt that Goa has potential to achieve the top positions alongside Cannes, Berlin and other internationally renowned film festivals. Shri Jaipal Reddy hoped that Goa would become a celluloid destination of the future cinema since it has all the ingredients to achieve such level.

Over 300 screening of around 200 films from India and abroad will be held during the festival. The competition section has films from Africa and Latin America besides Asia.
Rajendra Joshi

pictured: Festival vennue... Kala Academy at Goa.