It's now official, no screening of movies in Mysuru during Biffes 2018

No film screenings will be held in Mysuru as part of the 10th edition of the Bengaluru International Film Festival (Biffes) 2018, the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) confirmed to DH on Tuesday.

Earlier, at the release of the festival's logo, it had been announced that unlike previous years, the valedictory function would not be held in Mysuru. However, it was said that the screening of films would be held as before in both cities.

The festival is scheduled to be held in Bengaluru at Orion Mall from February 22 to March 1. Last year, the closing ceremony was held in Mysuru, with transport and accommodation arrangements made for delegates coming from Bengaluru. However, the response was not up to the mark with many giving the function a miss.

Now, it has been confirmed that even screenings of movies would not be held in Mysuru.

"The chief minister has clearly said that since it is Bengaluru film festival, it should be restricted to Bengaluru. So, there is no debate. Decision has been taken by the committee chaired by the chief minister to hold it only in Bengaluru," said P Manivannan, secretary of DIPR.

The decision was taken so that the festival could be held in a better manner, with better logistics, said department director Dr P S Harsha.

About 140 movies were screened last year in four screens at a mall in Mysuru. In 2016 as well, screenings were held in the two cities simultaneously. Meanwhile, the festival committee is considering a move to add a few more screens at a second venue, possibly in Mantri Mall.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) called for the state's film industry to take off on February 22 and March 1 to attend the opening and closing ceremonies of the Biffes.