BIFFes valedictory hit with KFCC boycott

A few members of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) vowed to boycott the valedictory of the Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes) taking place in two days.

The members accused Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy and the state Information department of failing to take them on board.

“In earlier years, members of the KFCC were part of the festival from the day 1,” Kannada producer Ganesh told DH, pointing out that the producers made up of the jury.

“This time, they neglected us and gave us normal invitee passes. People close to the organisers and the (information) department got the VVIP passes. We’re boycotting the festival and the valedictory function in protest,” Ganesh added.

Asked who all will be boycotting the function, Ganesh said: “KFCC has decided to boycott the festival at our meeting. This would include all the members.”

KFCC president Chinne Gowda denied having taken any such decision saying attending the valedictory would be left to the individual members.

“There’ll be issues while organizing events. We’ve a platform to address such issues. I don’t think this’s the right time to raise the issues since delegates from other countries are present.”

Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy chairman Nagathihalli Chandrashekar said he was not aware of anyone from KFCC boycotting the festival. “I haven’t received any letter or news (of boycott). KFCC members are very much around and are supporting the festival. Response from the public has been good.”