Exotic cinema enthralls audience at the IIFF

The films explore themes of belonging, relationships, nation, colonialism, violence, cultural norms and globalisation. We believe these are important themes and topics that we in India must also critically look at," Upasana Mittal, executive director of the Innovative International Film Festival(IIFF), said giving a peek of what movie buffs could expect from the three-day festival.

The event, which was inaugurated on Saturday, was organised by the Innovative Film Academy at the Innovative Film City near Bidadi. It is set to feature over 70 films from across the globe and interactive sessions with filmmakers and experts.

The festival was a platform for meaningful cinema as well as for the hidden talent in the Kannada film industry and the world cinema. Films in Persian, Swahili, Arabic, English, and Indonesian among other languages were screened. A special section for children's movies was organised as well.

"From the moment the moving camera was invented, we have played with the idea of language, culture, and what it means to exhibit one culture in another place. This festival will continue that dialogue," Rockline Venkatesh, mentor at the film academy and advisory to the festival, said.

Adding to it, Rajendra Singh Babu, the festival director, said, "We have a huge pool of talent, but mainstream films and studios follow very similar routes and do not explore different ideas at all. We hope the films we screen at IIFF will change that."

While the first day of the event delighted the audience with the trailers of director Naganna's magnum opus 'Kurukshetra' and director Pawan Wadeyar's 'Natasarvabhowma', the second day had an award show lined up with a screening of exotic cinema.

The final day of the festival will showcase some remarkable Egyptian, French and Austrian movies as well.

Annual event

The film festival's first edition played the role of a platform and networking point for filmmaking students and artistes. The organisers hope to continue with it and make it an annual event in the coming years.

"The idea to start the first edition of the festival here is a great initiative. This gives an opportunity for people to shine and show their talent in the film industry.

Having conducted 'Big Boss' on this same stage, which has been an unforgettable experience, I am overwhelmed to be here once again for such an event. I wish everyone all the success to carry this forward to the coming years," actor Sudeep, who was a part of the festival organising team said.