Daijiworld Media Network - Goa (MB)
from special correspondent   

Panaji, Nov 18: The directorate of film festival (DFF) has clarified that there is no formal proposal to shift International film festival of India (IFFI) from the coastal state of Goa.

"Every state wants to have IFFI in their place but there is no proposal to shift it from Goa," director of film festival Neelam Kapoor said capping all the rumours around which mentioned that the festival would be taken away from the state.

Kapoor, who addressed her maiden press conference in Goa for 38th edition of IFFI beginning from November 23, also ruled out the contention that megastar Shahrukh Khan is being invited to inaugurate festival to deviate the attention of critics.

"I don't think you can divert attention by bringing in film star. Shahrukh was selected as someone who has contributed to Indian Cinema; somebody who represents best of Indian Cinema," Kapoor said responding to a question.

The festival which was earlier held in just five theatres will have four more theatres added to the chunk. "I am very happy with the upgradation of infrastructure. In all 700 more seats would be added to the festival," Kapoor said.

Entertainment Society of Goa, a state host of IFFI, has constructed two more theatres with 340 seating capacity in total at the cost of Rs 14 crore.

Assuring that IFFI 2007 will be one of the best festivals, the DFF said it has been noticed that interest in the IFFI is growing every year.