The unprecedented terror attacks in Mumbai today cast its shadow on the ongoing International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2008 in Panaji as security was enhanced in theatres and hotels and the incidents replaced films as the topic in two discussions here.
The venues Kala Academy and Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) saw more frisking and searching as a direct fall-out of the multiple terror strikes on the commercial capital of India.
The festival organisers were quick to react to the attack. All the screenings of the day began with a minute's silence in memory of those who lost their lives in the attacks.
"Wherever possible, I will personally go to the theatres to observe one-minute silence," Festival Director S M Khan told a news agency.
The state government began the day with a security review at the festival venues. Security at the five star hotels-- Cidade de Goa and Goa Marriottes -- was heightened.
However, the business of cinema remained as usual on the fifth day of the festival. Abhay Deol and Paresh Rawal's press conference, a day after their Hindi flick 'Oye Lucky, Lucky Oye' was premiered at the festival, saw a huge media presence.
But veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, who was supposed to be present here to promote his film 'Barah Aana' directed by Raja Menon, could not make it. Khan said flight cancellations had put his visit on hold.
Bureau Report