Deputy CM DK Shivakumar expresses disappointment over Kannada film industry's absence at BIFFes

Recently, the 16th Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes) was inaugurated by Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, and it was graced by Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, actor-BIFFes brand ambassador Kishore, Shivarajkumar, and KCA President Sadhu Kokila, among others. Shivakumar recently expressed his disappointment over the Kannada film industry's glaring absence at the event. Speaking to the gathered audience, he made it clear that he was disappointed with the lack of support from local filmmakers, actors, and other key figures in the industry. His words served as a call to action and a subtle warning for the film fraternity to step up and actively engage in efforts to elevate the industry.

Shivakumar, who has strong ties to the film world as an exhibitor owning 22 cinema screens, mainly in Bengaluru, was disheartened by the absence of the local film community at such an important event. While a few well-known personalities attended, many others from the Kannada film world chose not to show up. He also reminded the industry of his involvement in the Namma Neeru Namma Hakku movement, a non-political initiative focused on protecting the state's water resources, which had little participation from the film industry.

The Deputy Chief Minister’s frustration was evident when he posed a pointed question: "If the Kannada film industry doesn’t show up for a prestigious event like BIFFes, then who will? And why should we even hold such a festival if those it’s meant for aren’t part of it?" His comments emphasised his belief that the industry needs to demonstrate more enthusiasm and involvement in events that are designed to promote and uplift it.

Despite his criticism, Shivakumar acknowledged the Kannada film industry's impressive progress and its growing presence on the global stage. However, he urged industry professionals to take a more active role in advancing the sector, stressing that his comments should be taken seriously—as either a warning or a plea for change. He also reassured the audience that the state government, under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s leadership, is working to tackle the challenges the industry faces, including plans to develop a world-class Film City in Mysuru, to be built through a Public-Private Partnership model.

On a more personal note, Shivakumar shared his early days as a film exhibitor. Despite owning numerous cinema screens, he confessed that he rarely finds time to watch films, though he expressed a desire to catch a few at BIFFes. He nostalgically recalled how, in his early career, he would personally view films before distributing them to his touring talkies. He fondly shared that he had watched Satya Harishchandra more than 15 times, and that he even took his wife to watch it in Mysuru.