Yesterday I came across some serious documentaries on social issues. This fresh morning, I am breaking-the-ice by heading for something classic and comical, my favorite Charlie Chaplin movie, Modern Times. Yes… a Charlie movie at the festival. Believe me I can already see a good amount of audience here to enjoy some true comedy.

I am certain that many of you have already enjoyed this classic on a small screen, but this time I am here to have a big screen experience. In this 87 min - 1937 silent classic, Charlie plays a legendary Little Tramp character that is under pressure to live in the modern, industrialized world. This movie has everything, lots of humor, love, and, of course, confusion in true Charlie style. The most hilarious scenes to watch in this film are when unlucky Charlie is mistaken as a communist by police and put behind bars; also, when he walks into a jailbreak and knocks out the convicts.

Though a silent-movie, the audience didn’t mind adding their own chuckling soundtracks. The film backdrop is the desperate employment and economic conditions many people faced during the Great Depression. The movie also stars his beautiful wife Paulette Goddard and long-time associate Henry Bergman. It was written and directed by Charlie himself, and marked the concluding screen appearance of the iconic Tramp character.

Now, I become conscious that the reason this particular movie was selected to be screened during IFFI is because Charlie plays a famous Little Tramp character, which is influenced by Portuguese culture, similar to many Goans.

After having red hot “fish curry” for lunch, here I am at port-town Vasco City. This most populated city is named after the famous Portuguese voyager Vasco da Gama. A so-called mega-musical event is about to kick-off at this beautiful and historical Baina beach.

Here are famous bands from all over India playing Indian classical, fusion, and rock compositions. They are also presenting the sounds of contemporary India along with the soul of their milieu -- urban and rural.

Spectators are having a satisfying time, enjoying and jamming at this event with utmost passion and honesty. It’s all here from in-depth classical to intense rock plus a few popular Bollywood numbers. What an electrifying event… soulful music, good food, and enjoyment for everyone.

Next…I’ll will catch-up with more actions and screenings, as there are just few days left before IFFI is official over.