The Open Forum, an integral part of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) for the past 28 years and a vital platform for filmmakers and the IFFI delegates to exchange views and ideas in a free and frank manner, begun at Panaji in Goa yesterday. <br/><br/>It was inaugurated jointly by the Festival Director C Senthil Rajan and the Vice Chairman of Entertainment Society of Goa Rajendra Talak at the Kala Academy.<br/> <br/>The topics like 'Promoting Indian Films Abroad – Role Played By Government Agencies' and 'the Scope and Challenges for Independent filmmakers' were discussed by filmmakers, actors, jury members, senior government officials and organisers of film festivals from India and abroad. <br/><br/>The Forum is being organized by the Federation of Film Societies of India in collaboration with the Directorate of Film Festivals and the Entertainment Society of Goa. <br/><br/>A book entitled 'Life After Ritwik Ghatak written by Nabarupa Bhattacharjee, grand daughter of Ritwik Ghatak, was also released. <br/><br/>This book presents a personal history of the late filmmaker Ritwik Ghatak through rare photos and anecdotes. It also encloses the present life of his wife Surama Ghatak and conversations giving insight about Ghatak's personality both as a partner and as an artist. <br/><br/>The Open Forum was introduced at the Thiruvananthapuran Filmotsav in 1988 at the initiative of local film societies and the Federation of Film Societies of India.