Goemkapronn desk
PANAJI: The 6th Goa Anti-Tobacco Film Festival was held on May 31 2024. It was organized by the Entertainment Society of Goa in collaboration with the Department of Public Health Dentistry, and aimed to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and decrease the incidence of oral cancer and heart diseases in Goa.
Additionally, the festival sought to promote film art through the screening of ad films with unique perspectives on tobacco awareness and the protection of children. Twenty-three ad films made by filmmakers were screened in the national and Goan sections.
Mario Pimenta, a Goan student filmmaker, expressed his desire to participate in future festivals despite facing challenges in assembling a team or acquiring resources.
The festival’s theme, “Protecting Children from the Tobacco Industry,” inspired filmmakers to create unique 1-2 minute films showcasing various ill-effects, causes, and consequences of the industry. “Bhuti” by Arya Rajan Mayekar won the Goan Section, while Amit Fadte’s “Jan Hit Main Jari” excelled in the national section.
Guest of Honour Amita Kenkre Kamat highlighted the tobacco industry’s dangerous promotion of e-cigarettes as a safer alternative to cigarettes, specifically targeting children.
Chief Guest Oncologist Shekhar Salkar emphasized that more girls are attracted to e-cigarettes due to their perceived stylishness. He also noted that while one out of two social smokers may die, the surviving one is equally dangerous, as they may downplay the risks, leading others to underestimate the harm of smoking.
Siolim MLA Deliah Lobo underscored the importance of understanding the value of life and family in protecting individuals from the influence of the tobacco industry.
In conclusion, the 6th Goa Anti-Tobacco Film Festival successfully shed light on the harmful impacts of tobacco use while advocating for the protection of children and families against the tobacco industry’s tactics.
