Goa : An informal discussion session, ‘Open Forum’ that has been an integral part of the 
International Film Festival of India in 1988 was inaugurated by honorable Chief Minister of Goa, Manohar Parrikar along with the Chairman of Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), Vishnu Wagh and President of Federation of Film Societies of India, Kiran Shantaram.
On the occasion of ‘Open Forum’ completing 25 years, Chairman of Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), Vishnu Wagh said, “I am very happy to be a part of Open Forum and would like to congratulate the team for completing 25 years with IFFI and 10 years in Goa. It’s also an honor to have P.K Nair the living encyclopedia of Indian Cinema as a guide, philosopher to this initiative.”
Commenting on the success of this informal session he added, “Open Forum has always come forward to make us realize that it is not just about watching films but also discussing and knowing films better. And looking at the success and audience anticipation in the same I take this opportunity to announce that ESG will join hands with Asian Film Foundation and host ‘Asian Film Festival’ in February 2014.”
In concurrence to the same, President of Federation of Film Societies of India, Kiran Shantaram asserted, “Open Forum that was started in 1988 at Trivandrum has come a long way and its gives me immense pleasure on its completion of 25 years. Also, the idea to host ‘Asian Film Festival’ would surely come as an added support to the existing evolution of Indian Cinema.”
The inaugural ceremony which was held in the afternoon was concluded with a musical dance performance by a renowned North Eastern troupe.
Source : Lokesh Shastri