BIFFes to pay homage to Ambareesh

The much awaited 11th edition of the Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes), scheduled to be held from February 21, will be paying a homage to the late actor M H Ambareesh.

Also, homage will be paid to Bengali filmmaker Mrinal Sen, Kannada film producer M Bhatavatsala, film lyricist M N Vyasa Rao and Kannada actor C H Lokanath.

The organisers have also included Ambareesh’s name in the list of retrospectives along with the biggies of world’s film land. The 11th edition of BIFFes will include retrospectives of Ingmar Bergman, director from Sweden (birth centenary) and Shaji Karun – distinguished cinematographer-turned-director from Kerala.

Talking to media, N Vidyashankar, artistic director, BIFFes, said, “We have shortlisted five films of Ambareesh to be screened at the event as a tribute to the actor. His on-screen debut ‘Nagarahaavu,’ ‘Shubamangala,’ ‘Ranganayaki,’ ‘Paduvarahalli Pandavaru’ and ‘Antha’.”

The screening of the movies and other events are scheduled to be held at the Orion Mall in Rajajinagar and will be inaugurated by Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy on February 21. The screening of films will commence from February 22.

Vidyashankar added, “We have received 101 films so far and it is expected to reach 200. The list of films include Oscar nominations and movies which have bagged major awards. Besides, under the “Unsung Incredible India” category, we have received films from Lakshasweep, the Northeast and others from indigenous cultures of the world. These include little-known Indian dialects like Byari, Banjara, Sherdukpen, Jasari, Manipuri, Khasi, Garo, etc.”

As part of 150 years of Celebrating The Mahatma, ‘The Making of The Mahatma’ by Shyam Benegal, ‘Gandhi My Father’ by Firoz Abbas Khan and ‘Kurmavatara’ by Girish Kasaravalli will be screened.