Hindi
IFFI to become top festival of the world in five years, says Shankar Mohan
PANAJI: The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has sectioned Rs 150 million for three theatres to be built at Margao to extend the reach of the International Film Festival of India throughout Goa.
The state government is also contemplating building a convention centre housing at least 4000 people and a discussion centre at Panaji.
Inaugurating the Open Forum organised for the Festival Directorate and the Entertainment Society of Goa by the Federation of Film Societies of India, Goa chief secretary Sanjay Srivastava said the Government is also considering setting up studios for post-production facilities for filmmakers and had already introduced single-window clearance for them. He noted that IFFI has helped in creating a film culture in Goa.
Festival chairman of the steering committee Mike Pandey said Goa could become the cinema hub of the country. He felt that there is no point in making comparisons with Cannes or other Festivals since IFFI has its own identity and should work to become the largest in Asia. The aim is towards inclusive growth involving the government, filmmakers and film-goers. He expressed the hope that the Festival will be able to attract world premieres.
Answering a question about attracting the cine glitterati, he said there is no point in calling people who walked out after formal functions and did not stay to see the films. He wants the film personalities to come and take part in the various activities relating to the Festival.
Noting that IFFI had seen a ‘re-birth‘ this year, Festival Director Shankar Mohan said he expected IFFI to be at the top in five years. He said new sections had been introduced because the aim was to reach out to the younger crowds. This was the reason for the ‘large buffet of sumptuous cinema‘, he said, adding that the vision was to go global.
The IFFI is industry-oriented unlike most other international festivals which are market-oriented, he added.
Answering a question about making films available to people after the festival through DVDs, he said issues relating to the Copyright Act or permissions from the rights holders had to be overcome before this could be done. However, he said DVDs of already-released Indian films were already available in the market.
Entertainment Society of Goa chief executive officer Manoj Srivastava expressed pride that the Festival has a digital films section, noting that he has introduced acceptance of films made in digital format for the National Film Awards almost a decade earlier.
He agreed that there is need to hold road shows or presentations to attract more people in the film industry from all over the country.
FFSI President Narahari Rao said the Directorate should become an umbrella for all other film festivals in the country and help them. There was need to bring in more people from the younger generation.
Hindi
Rajesh Ramaswamy exits The Script Room to focus on filmmaking journey
Ad filmmaker steps away from own venture to pursue direction and storytelling
MUMBAI: In a move that has caught the attention of the advertising and creative community, Rajesh Ramaswamy has announced his exit from The Script Room, the company he co-founded, marking the end of a seven-year stint at the helm.
The decision, which came into effect earlier this month, signals a shift in focus for Ramaswamy, who is now looking to immerse himself fully in filmmaking and direction as an independent creative.
Known for blending sharp advertising insight with storytelling craft, Ramaswamy has been instrumental in shaping The Script Room into a creative hub that delivered campaigns, branded content, and original storytelling formats. Over the years, the company collaborated with agencies, directors, and a wide network of writers, while also experimenting with formats such as short films and web series.
Sharing his thoughts on the transition, Ramaswamy indicated that the move is driven by a desire to focus and explore stories he has been developing over time. While he acknowledged the unconventional nature of stepping away from one’s own venture, he also framed it as a necessary leap toward clarity and creative pursuit.
Importantly, The Script Room will continue its operations with its current team and leadership, with Ramaswamy expressing confidence in the group that helped build the company’s identity. The studio, he noted, remains well-positioned to evolve further with fresh talent and ideas.
His exit also reflects a wider industry trend, where experienced advertising professionals are increasingly transitioning into independent filmmaking, tapping into the growing opportunities across digital and long-form content platforms.
As Ramaswamy steps into this new phase, the move underscores a familiar creative instinct, sometimes, the boldest ideas begin with a clean break.
