Dr Romesh Japra explains key aspects of the event
FREMONT, CA: Festival of Globe (FOG) is being held from Aug 7th to 16th in the Silicon Valley and will include SF Global Movie Fest, FOG Grand Parade, FOG Awards, FOG Culture Fest, Music Fest, Art Fest, Food Fest and Health Fair.
Dr Romesh Japra, Founder and Convener, Festival of Globe spoke to India Post and discussed some of the key aspects of the event.
Q: There has been a rise in the number of film festivals across the globe. How is FOGSV different? What is its unique factor?
A: We’ve been hosting Cultural Festivals and Parade for the last 22 years. To integrate diverse cultures and communities, we have taken up this Initiative. Through music, dance, movies and parade we can empower communities with cross cultural sharing and integration on a single platform. FOGSV is unique because this is the only Festival that combines International Film Festival, FOG Awards, Mela (Fair) and Grand Parade and has over 150000 attendees. Also it’s being held in Silicon Valley where ideas transform into wealth and dreams turn into reality. We’ve forums like Investor Pitch where venture capitalists, angel investors and bankers will be able to fund movie entrepreneurs.
Q: What kind of films are showcased at the festival? On what parameters are these chosen?
A: We had 3000 movies submitted from all over the world by independent movie makers. They are all subtitled in English. They’re rated by jury on their overall merits.
Q: What is the process of selection at the festival?
A: This year we’re promoting Women Empowerment related issues like domestic violence, women safety, sex trafficking, gender equality and women education. Most of the movies selected pertain to these issues. Movie makers need to be present at the Festival for movie screenings and Q & A.
Q: With the increasing number, do you think the film festivals have lost their charm and have merely become an excuse for celebrity visits to a particular place?
A: Our Festival is uniquely designed where celebrities and guests can also get a taste of Technology. We’ve arranged special visits to Facebook, Google and Twitter for them.
Q: How much of the local crowd gets attracted to these festivals? What response do Bollywood movies receive at these festivals, by foreigners?
A: We’ll have 20000 people attend FOG Awards where, besides awards, we have newly designed performances on the theme of West meets East. Bohemia the Punjabi Hip hop Rapper will sing with Fremont Symphony Orchestra. Bappi Lahiri will sing newly created song World is our Family ‘Vasudev Kutumbakam’. There will be Holly Bolly Dance performance choreographed by Hollywood and Bollywood choreographers.
Q: Do you think the increase in the number of these film festivals, is mainly to attract the NRIs and PIOs living in those countries?
A: We’ll have not only Indian immigrants but also from rest of the Globe. We’ve international celebrities like Jackie Chan, Sharon Stone, Martin Sheen, Bappi Lahiri and Gulshan Grover.
Q: How do you think an increase in film festivals and cultural festivals in the USA reflects on the soft power of the country?
A: We Indian Americans who have had phenomenal success in every field in USA are proud to take this lead of integrating global communities and humanity at large. Practice ‘Vasudev Kutumbakam’ in the real practical sense.
Ritu Maheshwari
India Post News Service
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