Goa church wants International Film Festival of India not to clash with St Francis' exposition

Goa Church wants the dates of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2014 to be revised so that it does not clash with the decennial exposition of St Francis Xavier's relics.

"If these two events (IFFI and exposition) do not clash, then that would be an ideal situation. Government must think seriously that there is another important event happening with IFFI in the state," Fr Alfred Vaz, convener of St Francis Xavier Relics Exposition committee, told PTI today.

The exposition would be held from November 22, 2014 to January 4, 2015 while IFFI is scheduled from November 20-30 this year. Security concerns are high during the days when there are more policemen for IFFI while very few are posted at Old Goa, where the exposition is scheduled, Fr Vaz said.

"This creates fear about the security for the event. We would appreciate if the government shifts IFFI dates so that they don't clash with the exposition," he said. "The church has already petitioned the state government on this issue in the past," he said.

"We hope that the government takes maximum care about security of pilgrims arriving here and all the security concerns are addressed," he said.

The organisers expect 50 lakh pilgrims to attend the decennial exposition of the relics at Old Goa, which is nine kms away from Panaji where IFFI is scheduled.

Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), a nodal agency to host IFFI, had earlier ruled out rescheduling of the festival.

ESG vice chairman Damodar Naik had said that the IFFI dates were already finalised and won't be changed.