Actor Kishore, brand ambassador of 16th Bengaluru International Film Festival

Bengaluru: Multi-lingual actor Kishore has been named the ambassador of the 16th Bengaluru International Film Festival, a press-note said. The festival is scheduled from March 1 to 8.

Speaking to DH, Kishore said, “BIFFes has been evolving over the years. I hope the festival becomes a global name and people from all over the world come to showcase their talent here.

"Kannada audiences have been considered very mature from the initial days. Mani Ratnam when he made his first film here (‘Pallavi Anupallavi’) too believed that if one can convince the audiences here, they can convince audiences elsewhere. I hope the audience will continue to encourage world cinema in Bengaluru.”

Talking about the changes he wishes to see in the festival, he says, “I hope to see worthy films in this year’s festival. I hope every film will be considered based on its merit and there will be no biases. If that happens, it’s good enough. There are people who appreciate good cinema and they will take the festival forward.”

“I’ve been a part of the audience until now and this is a huge responsibility and I’ll try to do my best,” says the actor who was recently seen in the role of a communist leader in Vetrimaran’s ‘Viduthalai Part 2’.

‘Plurality and Inclusivity’ will be the theme of this year’s festival as announced by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah earlier this week.

The FIAPF accredited festival will screen films in three venues across the city and will also host cinema related masterclasses and workshops. Orion Mall, Rajajinagar, Suchitra Film Society, Banashankari and Dr Ambareesh Auditorium, Chamrajpet are the festival venues.