ESG Ready to expand Capabilities

By Pickle December 2, 2019

In successfully organizing IFFI, Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) has proven its capability, says ESG Vice-Chairman Subhash Phal Dessai, while also stressing that the work on the Film City and convention centre projects, the dream projects of late Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, will also soon pick up pace in the state

How did you plan the Golden Jubilee celebrations of IFFI?

I was appointed as the Vice-Chairman of ESG just three months before the festival happened. Although I was good in administration, I made sure that things were well-planned. I made various committees and delegated powers to my team working on the project.

I think I lived to the expectations of the Hon’ble Chief Minister. He was very clear from the beginning that work should not get stuck at any stage. He cleared almost all the files within 24-hours.

How did you manage to work with different stakeholders in organizing a successful festival this year?

It is normally difficult to synchronize things with both the institutions— ESG and DFF—having different works to execute. At the same time, it had to be done in convergence with each other as it was a combined effort. Due to proper planning, this year ESG and DFF worked together without any clash of opinion. It was a smooth sailing.

Do you plan to bring many more events like this one to Goa?

Yes. Our job is not just limited to organizing IFFI. Of course IFFI is the biggest festival we have and the formation of ESG happened because of IFFI, but at the same time we have proved in the last few years that we are capable and have good potential and expertise in organizing events beyond IFFI.

The late Chief Minister, Manohar Parrikar had envisioned a powerful infrastructure for the festival in the State. Don’t you think it is taking time for his vision to be fulfilled?

Manohar Parrikar was a visionary leader and taking IFFI to Goa was a brave decision he took. He executed it so well for everyone to see. However, his untimely demise was a great setback. Before the first IFFI in 2004, there was nothing in Goa in terms of infrastructure, but he transformed the infrastructure within six months time. It was his dream to build a film city and a big convention centre.

Under the leadership of our present Chief Minister, we are definitely heading towards fulfilling Parikkar’s dream. We will be taking the Film City Project this year. We are also making efforts to make all facilities to filmmakers at one place. We have announced a short film competition in the State and probably through them we would be able to highlight some of the scenic places of Goa.