The grand steps of Vidhana Soudha turned into a symbolic red carpet for ideas, conscience, and cinema as the 17th Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes) was officially inaugurated on Wednesday. Opening the festival, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah delivered a pointed message to filmmakers and audiences alike: cinema must move beyond entertainment and engage honestly with social realities.
“Films should reflect the real conditions of society,” the Chief Minister said, urging filmmakers to address inequality, poverty, wealth disparity, and the lived realities of Dalits, backward communities, farmers, workers, minorities, and women. Citing the legacy of Dr Rajkumar’s Kannada films, he noted that cinema once seamlessly blended social concern with popular appeal. Film festivals, he added, offer a rare opportunity to understand the lives, politics, and cultures of people across the world—and to reflect on concepts of equality and justice. Without this engagement, cinema risks being reduced to mere escapism.
Reaffirming the state government’s support for the film sector, Siddaramaiah said cinema must play a role in building a humane and inclusive society, helping erase discrimination and social divisions.
This year’s festival, running from January 29 to February 6, brings together around 240 films from nearly 70 countries. Audiences will have access to over 100 acclaimed international films and more than 30 films from various Indian languages, making BIFFes one of the most diverse film showcases in the country.
Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti described BIFFes as a matter of pride for Karnataka and highlighted the Chief Minister’s sensitivity towards artists. While reminiscing about the era of classic cinema, he expressed concern over the challenges faced by theatres in the age of television and mobile screens, and called for meaningful discussions on the problems confronting the film industry alongside screenings.
Presiding over the event, Shivajinagar MLA Rizwan Arshad said cinema remains one of the most powerful mediums to connect humanity. He described the festival as an ambitious cultural initiative of the government and praised actor Prakash Raj not just as a performer but as a responsible and socially conscious citizen.
Karnataka Film Academy president Sadhu Kokila revealed that around 255 films are being screened this year, including 65 films directed by women. Dedicating the festival to women filmmakers, he called it a significant and respectful gesture. He also outlined government initiatives such as a proposed film city in Mysuru, a multiplex at the Academy building, welfare schemes for film workers, and a dedicated OTT platform for Kannada cinema. A key attraction this year is the open-air tent theatre at Lulu Mall, hosting daily screenings at 7 pm.
Artistic director Murali highlighted the festival’s focus on celebrating the journeys of achievers in Kannada cinema, describing BIFFes as a true “festival of films.”
Festival ambassador Prakash Raj, recalling that he had inaugurated the festival nearly 16 years ago, likened BIFFes to a cultural bird sanctuary where national and international cinema converges. He described film and literary festivals as platforms for sharing humanity and expressed concern over political interference in cultural spaces. He urged the state government to oppose restrictions on the screening of certain international films and stand firmly by the spirit of the festival. He also released the festival’s signature film and recited a poem in support of Palestinian cinema.
Rukmini Vasanth said it was a privilege for a young actor like her to be part of such a major cultural event. Calling Bengaluru a hub of all art forms, she said cinema uniquely brings them together and that BIFFes offers an invaluable space for learning and exchange among technicians and cinephiles.
Information and Public Relations Department Secretary BB Kaveri welcomed the gathering, expressing confidence that audiences would enjoy the carefully curated selection of world cinema.
The event was attended by senior actors and public figures including Umashree, Jayamala, Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, and several prominent filmmakers and artists. Prior to the inauguration, a “World Music Celebration” led by Dr Jyotsna Srikant and 35 musicians set the tone for the evening. The festival handbook was released, and the Netherlands film Port Bagage was screened as the opening film—marking the start of nine days of global cinema, dialogue, and cultural exchange in Bengaluru.