Grand start to BIFFES, exotic treat on offer at 9-day fest in city, Mysuru
Bengaluru: The eighth Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFES) got off to a colourful start at Vidhana Soudha on Thursday with well known film personalities attending it.
Noted actor and Rajya Sabha member Jaya Bachchan inaugurated the nine-day event being held in Bengaluru and Mysuru.
Film and music director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Telegu actor D. Venkatesh, former tennis player and Hollywood director Ashok Amritraj and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah were present during the inauguration.
While inaugurating the event, Jaya Bachchan said she has finally broken the jinx that has been associated with her family regarding visits to Karnataka, be it for shooting or any other event. She said, “I am glad I came here. I will tell my husband that even he should come here and probably shoot a film.”
Flim Festival Logo
Applauding the initiatives taken by the Karnataka Government in encouraging the film industry, Jaya said, “It is good to hear that the government has allotted 100 acres of land to build a film city in Mysuru. I just have one request and that is let this industry function without any government interference.”
Sanjay Leela Bhansali kept it short and simple. He said, “I believe film festivals are a venue for both aspiring directors and actors and those in the industry to have discussion and analyse the products that are on the platter.”
Other film personalities such as rebel star Ambarish, Sumalatha, actress Tara, Shivraj Kumar, Kannada actor Prajwal Devraj and politicians like Roshan Baig, K J Goerge and others were also present at the function.
Actress Shobana performing at the inaugural function of the Bengaluru International Film Festival
Noted actor and Bharatnatyam dancer Shobana and group performed during the inaugural function, followed by Kathak dance by Nirupama, Rajendra and team.
13 Indian films in competition category
Among the 13 Indian films which are competing at the film fest, the critically acclaimed Kannada film, Nanu Avanalla Avalu, which earned national award for best actor category to Sanchari Vijay, is one the main regional highlight in the event. Out of the 13 films, three each are Malayalam and Bengali, two Hindi films and one film each in English, Tamil, Marathi and Odiya.
Filmy Fare
- In conversation with actress Jaya Bachchan at 10.30 am, screen 11
- Sound design workshop by Academy Award winner Resul Pookutty at 2.30 pm, screen 11
- Discussion with Ashok Amritraj at 5.30 pm, screen 11
- At least 60 films to be screened on day one in both Bengaluru and Mysuru
