Bengaluru film fest from Feb 29; 200 films from 50 countries to be screened

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will inaugurate the 15th edition of the Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes) in front of the Vidhana Soudha on February 29.

The festival’s current edition, recognised by the International Federation of Film Producers’ Association (FIAPF), will involve national-level film delegates, producers, directors, and
technicians.

Over 200 films from 50 countries will be screened from March 1 at all 11 screens in Orion Mall, Raj Kumar Kala Bhavan in Chamarajpet, and Suchitra Film Society in Banashankari.

Besides those at the competition section, critically acclaimed national and international movies will also be screened at the festival, the organisers said.

Special emphasis will be laid on Kannada cinema in the backdrop of Sandalwood’s 90th birth anniversary and the golden jubilee of the state’s christening as Karnataka.

Films will also be screened in memory of SK Bhagwan, veteran actor Leelavathi, singer Vani Jayaram and others.

Workshops will be held from different departments of cinema such as voice modulation, editing, music, and screenplay writing, among others. There will be a special lecture on Dada Saheb Phalke award-winning photographer VK Murthy and a talk on the occasion of film director Mrinal Sen's birth centenary.

Will come to a close on March 7

The eight-day event will conclude on March 7, with the valedictory programme being held in the Vidhana Soudha's Banquet Hall. Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot will present awards to filmmakers in three categories on the concluding day.

Make note

The registration for delegates will begin on February 15. While the passes will cost Rs 800 for the general public, students, senior citizens and members of the film community will get it at a discounted rate of Rs 400.

For more details, visit www.biffes.org