Maquinez Palace

This large signage of the film festival in the photo is outside the main venue and the central office of the Festival called Maquinez Palace. The 'palace' is a 322 years old building which in it's last incarnation and until 30 years ago hosted the Goa Medical College - the oldest medical college in Asia. The Goa Medical College has moved to another location. However to this day, each year in Feb the stethoscopes of graduating doctors are blessed in the Maquinez chapel during a solemn high mass.

Over the last 20 years or so, this palace has become the cultural hub of Goa. The Entertainment Society of Goa is based in this palace and hosts a range of cultural festivals throughout the year including the International Film Festival in November and the Arts Festival in mid December every year.

I will try posting pictures of the palace and ancient trees in the complex in the next few days. There are so many delegates around at the Film Festival that is difficult to take architectural photos.

Enjoyed four films at the Festival today: from Iran/France, India, Peru and Australia