Thinking caps on as science film fest takes over Panaji

Panaji: The fourth edition of the four-day Science Film Festival of India (SCI-FFI) 2019 opened with blockbuster film, ‘Parmanu’, on Wednesday.
“The enthusiasm at SCI-FFI is energizing. We wish to plan an even bigger and more impactful film fest for India, hosted by Goa,” said Nakul Parashar, director, Vigyan Prasar, New Delhi. He was the chief guest at the inaugural.
North Goa collector Levinson Martins said that since its first edition, the festival has grown tremendously and will continue to do so in the future.
Director of science and technology Shekhar Sardessai acknowledged the festival for its role in science. “Festivals like SCI-FFI trigger our imagination. Science stands key to organising and improving life,” he said.
Besides having an array of science-themed films, the festival includes three theme-based film tracks: ‘Future of the Oceans’, ‘Technology and Innovation’, and ‘Basic Sciences’ which will be screened till January 19.
It will also feature a teacher’s workshop on January 18. The workshop aims at turning science educators into science communicators.
Padma Vibushan Rajagopala Chidabaram will be the chief guest for the valedictory function on January 19 and will deliver a lecture on ‘India’s Nuclear Programme—A model for developing world.’