Registrations pour in for Biffes in Mysuru

140 films to be screened, a feast for film buffs

The Bengaluru International Film Festival (Biffes), extended to the City of Palaces for the first time, has received an overwhelming response.

At least 500 movie buffs have enrolled for the festival in Mysuru. The festival, organised by Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy, starts on January 28 and will be held till February 4. The valedictory ceremony will be held on February 5, in front of Amba Vilas Palace.

500 registrations

Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations A R Prakash told Deccan Herald, the films would be screened at Inox multiplex in Mall of Mysore on M G Road.

“A total of 140 films from various languages will be screened during the period, with 20 films scheduled per day. With over 500 registrations against the total seating capacity of 1,000, it is indeed a good response. The numbers are expected to increase, with registrations accepted even after the launch of the festival,” he said.

To encourage cine lovers, the registration process was launched on January 11. The registrations were accepted in two categories with varied fees — Rs 600 for general public and Rs 300 for students, members of film societies and film fraternity. A majority of those registered belong to the latter category, Prakash added.

The films will be screened in the categories of world cinema, Asian cinema, Kannada cinema, besides award winning films like ‘Court’ (Marathi), Corn Island (Georgia), Frankofernia (Germany), Rams (Ireland), Taxi (Iran), Anton Checkoff among others. The screening of ‘Thithi’, a Kannada film, that has won several awards will mark the beginning of the festival on January 28 at 6 pm at Kalamandira.

Satish, manager of Inox, told Deccan Herald, the films will be screened in all the four screens having, a total seating capacity of 1,009, from January 29 to February 4. “The morning show will start at 10 am, while the second show will be at 9 pm. The contents of the films have been received,” he said.

Inspection

On the eve of the inauguration of the festival, on Wednesday, Director of Information and Public Relations N R Vishukumar inspected the arrangements at the multiplex.

Interested persons, 18 years and above, may enrol at the temporary office of Biffes at the office of Information and Public Relations department, Dhanwantri Road, between 11 am and 5.30 pm.

Registrations are also accepted at Inox multiplex, Mall of Mysore, from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm. Those interested can call 0821-2420050 or 94480 92049 or log on to www.biffes.in for details.