The film festival which highlights global issues related to environment, was inaugurated by Nilesh Cabral, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and Shri Sanjit Rodrigues, Secretary(Protocol) and Nodal Officer of G20 (Goa), and Mahesh Patil, Chairman of Goa State Pollution Control Board.

The inaugural was followed by the screening of the opening film, ‘The Elephant Whisperers’, directed by Kartiki Gonsalves. The film won the Oscar Award for Best Documentary. The director of the film was congratulated at the inaugural function along with presentation of tokens for all directors of films chosen to be screened at the festival that will be on till Monday, June 5.

Speaking at the inaugural of the Environmental Film Festival, Shri Nilesh Cabral, Minister of Environment and Climate Change said: “We are here today to inaugurate and celebrate 50 films  dedicated to the environment from the G20 countries and the state”. He also lauded the dedicated efforts of Nodal officer Sanjit Rodrigues who has been overseeing the G20 meetings in Goa.

Shri Sanjit Rodrigues, Secretary(Protocol) and Nodal Officer G20 said, “I think environment is a very dear subject and a very touchy subject too. As we  are working with such a fervor towards nine meetings of G20 in Goa, we thought that there should be a connection with the local population here. And thus the film festival was an idea put forward which unites people here.”

He further said that films like these, show what is happening across countries with issues related to the environment and these countries tackle them. “Film is a great medium to bring  such awareness to our level, and is a medium which is acceptable to all. And at the same time we have brought in the local Goan perspective at this film festival. It will help us see how we fare in this medium. I’m happy that the response towards this festival has been overwhelming,” Rodrigues said.

Films from various countries like  Ireland- ‘Between Land and Sea’, and ‘Bog Graffiti’, Canada – ‘Metamorphosis’, and ‘Hadwin’s Judgement’, and Finland -‘Tale of Sleeping Giants’ will be represented by their respective embassies along with other nations like Spain – ‘Alcatraz’, Bulgaria-  ‘Antarctica’, Russia- ‘To See a Snow Leopard’, Republic of Croatia -‘Extracurricular’, Portugal – ‘Un Mar de lixo’, and others.

Besides, there is also a package of environmental films from Oman that will be screened here at the Environmental Film Festival.

The logo for the Environmental Film Festival has been widely appreciated. The logo installation that can be seen in the ESG Complex has been developed with the idea of focusing on using plastic waste, and to this inspire people about how use of plastic waste can become an integral part of our daily routine.

The plastic waste that has been stuffed inside the text also illustrates the urgency to think about recycling and repurposing plastic waste. Besides, it also demonstrates how we can make use of waste material to make an art installation, that may only last for a while but creates awareness in the public space.

The film festival will culminate on World Environment Day.

Shri Subhash Phaldesai, Minister for Social Welfare, inaugurated the two-day Regional Advocacy Workshop organized by the Hemophilia Federation (India) at the International Centre Goa, Dona Paula. The event aims to create awareness about hemophilia and disabilities, promote equal rights for individuals with hemophilia and disabilities, and discuss strategies to improve healthcare facilities and treatments for those affected.

In his inaugural speech, Shri Phaldesai emphasized the significance of inclusivity and the need to celebrate the Purple Fest on a larger scale in the coming years, encompassing individuals with disabilities from all parts of the country. He highlighted the immense potential and intelligence of people with hemophilia and disabilities, urging society to identify and offer them advanced health facilities and treatments. The Minister also called upon all states to actively involve their ministers in the day-to-day activities of individuals with disabilities, ensuring their welfare and empowerment.

Shri Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for the Disabled, announced that all schools in Goa would be made accessible for individuals with disabilities, underlining the importance of sensitization and awareness about hemophilia. He stressed the necessity of creating an inclusive society where individuals with hemophilia and disabilities can thrive.

Shri Premroop Alva, President of the Hemophilia Federation of India, shed light on the condition of hemophilia and the organization’s ongoing efforts.

During the event, Minister Phaldesai released the Souvenir of the Hemophilia Federation of India, and together with other dignitaries, paid tribute to the late Shri Ashok B. Verma, Founder of the Hemophilia Federation of India.

The Regional Council Chairman, Shri Balsiram Gadve, and Smt. Sarita Chavan, President of the Panaji chapter and delegates from Goa, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat were also present at the function.