Prominent film personalities, including Subhash Ghai, Yash Chopra and Raveena Tandon, have welcomed the government's move to make Goa the permanent venue for the India International Film Festival, on the lines of Cannes in southern France.

"The proposal is a positive step since the state is already a tourist attraction and its government is very enthusiastic about this step," Ghai said after the central government discussed the matter with film personalities.

"This is not a new proposal," Chopra said. "It was under consideration for many years. Moreover, Goa has got everything this festival requires."

Ghai added, "If Goa is the venue, the festival will not get bogged down by political interference."

Both filmmakers said it would take at least a year to put together the required infrastructure in Goa.

"A lot of preparation would be needed as this change is going to redefine the film festival. The government needs to conduct studies and get cooperation from all the concerned parties," Ghai said.