Goemkarponn desk
CANACONA: While the villagers fearing the Film City project will be a death kneel to the village and eco-system, opposes the proposal in its entirety, Loliem-Polem Communidade feels an Entertainment Industry (like a Film City) will boost the village in all-round development once Film City becomes a reality in Loliem Village.
Providing a gist of benefits to the State of Goa and particularly Loliem village and Canacona taluka, Loliem-Polem Communidade President Vishwajeet Varik said, “The Loliem film city with its multiple products can act as catalyst for economic and cultural development, making them valuable assets for the state’s growth”.
He said the Loliem Film city will assist in direct and indirect employment creation, it will help in Skill Development, will give a further boost to the blooming Tourism, and definitely help in infrastructure development, provide economic and fiscal growth, and it would be powerful tool for Cultural Exchange between Goa and other States and Countries.
Incidentally, while Loliem-Polem villagers has opposed any type of developments other than traditional at the eco-sensitive Bhagwati Plateau (earmarked for Film City) even to the extent of passing resolutions in the village gramsabha, Loliem-Polem Communidade the owners of the land on Bhagwati Plateau, had twice passed resolutions first to offer 250 acres of land, and second time gave consent to provide this land to Entertainment Society of Goa(ESG) on 99-year lease period to set-up a Film City.
Speaking in general concept, Varik justifying comunidades “Yes” to the Film City project in Loliem is for the sake of the people and future generations of Loliem, stated, ‘Goa is a permanent venue for the prestigious IFFI since 2004 and has been a popular destination for shooting of Bollywood and several regional language films.
“The Indian film industry is the largest in the world in terms of number of films produced with around 1,500 to 2,000 films produced every year in more than 25 languages, he said.
Moreover, advancement in technology has led to a significant increase in film production. The Goa State is also seeing an increased interest in filmmaking amongst the younger generation, whereas absence of designated film training institutes and film production studios in the State to accommodate the ever-growing demand is a set-back to the enthusiasts.
“If our sources are correct, the Film City Loliem will feature products like pre-production studios, shooting locations, backlots, post-production studios, VFX & CGI studios, supporting infrastructure, commercial space, event and concert venue, film school and accommodation units for the crew, production team and the actors,” he said.
Varik says the film city can attract significant investment from both domestic and international sources which would not only lead to the growth of local businesses but also contribute to an overall increase in economic development. A successful film and entertainment ecosystem can provide a wide range of direct and indirect benefits to its home market. “Direct benefits include the local talents from the Film industry, and the creation of allied businesses and services required for the same. Indirect benefits range from technology and knowledge transfer to growth in tourism and social benefits, through the creation of a creative social class,” he said.
In employment creation, he said, the development of a film city and film school will create a significant number of jobs in the film industry, including in areas such as production, post production, marketing, and distribution.
“Film city requires a range of technical jobs, such as lighting technicians, sound engineers, set designers, Carpenters, musicians and visual effects artists. A technical training institute will be an integral part imparting training in lighting technicians, sound engineers, set designers, and visual effects artists, who can be later absorbed in this film city itself, and will have an opportunity of employment at national and international level,” he stated.
Opportunities in hospitality and tourism, transportation and local businesses are enormous. Job opportunities for instructors, administrators, support staff and the students post completion of their courses. Overall, the Loliem film city is tentatively expected to generate direct employment for more than 5000 people in various segments, he said.
A film school for aspiring filmmakers, other professionals will train over 2500 students in the first 5 years in films and other productions. It will be a boost to the tourism industry contributing to the economy, generating revenue through ticket sales, merchandise, and tourism.
Cultural exchange, people-to-people interaction will be powerful tool of the film city between Goa and other states and countries am this will give a further impetus to economic and fiscal growth.
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