Panaji: Minister for Information & Broadcasting (I&B) Priyaranjan Dasmunsi made it clear that Goa will remain the permanent venue for the International film Festival of India (IFFI).

Mr. Dasmunsi was speaking at the inauguration ceremony of 38th edition of the IFFI on Friday.

Chief guest and superstar film actor Shah Rukh Khan lit the inaugural lamp in presence Tamil actor Priya Mani to mark the opening of the 38th edition of film festival, IFFI-2007.

Also present were Chief Minister of Goa Digambar Kamat, Secretary for I&B Asha Swarup, Goa Chief Secretary J.P. Singh and several film personalities.

Shah Rukh Khan, paying tributes to makers of cinema, said “they make the people feel part of the world and give them freedom from loneliness.”

He expressed gratitude towards ordinary people who patronized the film industry and went on to dedicate the IFFI in its 38th year to people of the country.

Mr. Dasmunsi said, “I am clear that in the approach of our government, we want Goa to continue to grow to build a brand name.”

The festival will close on December 3.