French film actor, Marianne Borgo, who is now based in Goa, will formally open the French Film Festival at Sunaparanta Goa Centre of Arts, Altinho, Panaji at 6.30 p.m. today. In a candid chat with NT BUZZ she spoke about films, filmmakers and why her heart cries everyday looking at the current Goan scenario
BY ARTI DAS | NT BUZZ
Marianne Borgo a French film actress, who has made Goa her second home, dreams of taking film culture to the interiors of Goa by screening a variety of films.
She was speaking to NT BUZZ a day before the French Film Festival that will commence from today and will be on till February 26 at Sunaparanta Goa Centre of Arts, Altinho, Panaji.
“These films, which are being showed at the film festival, reflect the modern culture of France and are more for those studying the French language. But my dream is to host screenings at various villages of Goa where people do not have the privilege of watching such cinema. That cinema could be in any language, but predominantly fun films that everyone can enjoy,” says Marianne.
Through the help of cinema she also draws parallels between Indian and French culture. “The opening film of the festival titled, Les Soeurs Fachees is about two sisters. It shows the freedom they enjoy and also their impulsive nature. However, here we don’t see anything like that. Here people have strong family background and it is difficult to have total freedom. There are good and bad sides to both and balance is always difficult to find,” expresses Marianne.
Marianne, who is still connected to France and makes a point to attend Cannes Film Festival every year, believes that there is more scope for young filmmakers in France. “There is help given to young film directors by the government in terms of grants and aid. France is one of the few countries in the world that has such scheme. Having this assistance gives creative freedom to young filmmakers. Also, a majority of these films reflect the lives of the filmmakers,” adds Marianne.
Regarding Indian filmmaking she lamented that commercial aspect rules the filmmaking process and thus restricts creativity.
She also shared her experience working with two young Indian filmmakers with whom she worked recently. “I worked with Indian filmmaker, Sandeep Mohan in his film, ‘Love Wrinkle Free.’ He was lacking in funds but not ideas. Another was with Sholk Sharma, which was shot during the Sunburn Festival. I had a co-lead in this film, which was based on the Sunburn Festival,” adds the actor who is all set to play the role of Mother Teresa’s mother in a movie titled Letter, which will be shot in Goa.
Marianne who stays in Goa for seven months in a year opines that she connects to Goa and feels like as if she was born here. “For the last four years I have started staying in Goa. I came down to Goa in the year 1977 and then in 1994 for a yoga retreat. It’s like I am born here. I am Catholic but I respect the Indian philosophy as it helped me to get rid of depression,” says Marianne.
Marianne is also one of the few who has seen the change in Goa right from the 70s to current times. “My heart cries everyday when I see destruction of coconut trees or old houses. Goans should learn from the mistakes we made 50 years ago,” advices Marianne.
She further opines, “I think there is a need to appoint consultants from every country, who can share their experience. It is very important to have an artistic mind. If you do not give art to people, it’s like not giving water to a plant,” concludes Marianne.
