B'lore warms up to bouquet of world cinema

Reel language

The magic of the celluloid world has drawn people from all walks of life into its fold. Renowned writer Shashi Desphande, film makers M S Sathyu, Sadananda Suvarna yesteryear actor L V Sharada Rao, Sandalwood stars and students were spotted at the theatres. Around 400 student passes were issued before the festival and an equal number on the spot at the four venues.

H N Narahari Rao, Artistic Director of BIFFES says, “There has been a signifcant increase in the number of audience compared to last year. And not only that, attitude and sensibilities towards the films being screened too have undergone a change.” Rao said a few films such as ‘Urumi’ were houseful and people even sat on the floor. The crowd had a good mix of youngsters for many of these films. “This is because, with increasing number of courses and academia involvement in this art form, the youth have started to take cinema seriously.”

Apart from the students, as many as 180 volunteers from schools of communication - Manipal Institute of Communication and Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication - are actively taking part in organising the event.

Srijith Rao, faculty at an arts and designing institute in the City says, “In the academia, cinema is no more for film students. Those who are into animation, design and fashion are all involved with the concept of cinema as it proves helpful in their career.”

The fest, which already crossed more than 2,200 registrations as on Saturday is seen as a practical opportunity for film students. With around 15 colleges having film studies as part of their course, cinema is no more taken merely as a money making business. Theatre person Prakash Belwadi said the dates for BIFFES were chosen keeping in mind the end of examinations.

With internationally acclaimed movies from the Middle East, India, west and eastern countries on the platter and otherwise not available in the stores, serious movie going youth and students of cinema have ensured they are part of the annual affair.

Student revealed great knowledge in different category of cinema. “Political films in BIFFES are particularly interesting as youngsters are not given a chance to watch controversial works of art based on historic events. Through BIFFES, the youth and the serious movie goers want to experience such works,” said S D’Souza, student of Srishti School of Art, Design and Technology.