IFFI on the lookout for permanent chief

The Centre is scouting for a "permanent" director to head the annual fest, now with Goa declared the perennial venue.

Now that Goa has been declared the perennial venue for the International Film Festival of India, the Central government is scouting for a "permanent" Director to head the annual extravaganza.

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"Last year, we had invited applications through the UPSC for a five-year-term and shortlisted some candidates. I don't know whether we'll be advertising for the post again," Directorate of Film Festivals (DFF) Director Afzal Amanullah told reporters in Panaji on Saturday.

"Certainly, now that Goa is to host IFFI every year, we need a permanent Festival Director who won't have to keep rushing back to Delhi each time," he added.

Fielding questions on various shortcomings at this year's film festival, Amanullah said plans were afoot to ensure increased seating capacity next year.

IFFI 2005 has been plagued by complaints of people being turned away from screenings, with even the DFF head admitting that expecting to squeeze 4150 delegates into five auditoria with a combined seating capacity of 2200 wasn't a good idea.