Watch 200-plus world’s best films at 14th BIFFES from today

Bollywood director-writer-cinematographer Govind Nihalani and South Indian actress Ramya Krishnan are attending the event, too.

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and Minister R Ashok at the launch of the official logo of 14th BIFFES. (Supplied)

“This time we had only a month to complete the whole process of 14th BIFFES. There was some delay in the release of funds. At some point, I even wondered whether we would be able to organise the event. It was a miracle that everything fell in place,” said Ashok Kashyap, BIFFES Director and Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy Chairman.

BIFFES from 3 March every year

The BIFFES director also stated that they had plans to inaugurate the festival on 3 March, the day Kannada’s first talkie film Sati Sulochana was released in 1934.

“We planned to inaugurate the festival on 3 March. However, there was a delay this time. But we are working on getting a government order to fix a permanent date (3 March) as a calendar of events that kickstarts BIFFES,” he explained.

Also Read: Krishna Vamsi’ Rangamarthanda Telugu movie review

Ashok Kashyap says this not only helps a great deal in preparations but will assist in retaining the membership of the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF).

Right now, only four international Film festivals in India are FIAPF members including BIFFES.

‘Over 50% are best films’

Indeed, choosing the best of the best films to watch at an international film festival is a hard task. This time, at BIFFEs, the organisers assure that it won’t be the case.

“One of the advantages of BIFFES is that we are the last ones that hold the film festival among others in India. We have done our best to get the best movies from across the globe. We guarantee that more than 50 per cent of the films are the best ones,” said HN Narahari Rao, Artistic Director of BIFFES.

Film selected under competition section for 14th Edition of Bengaluru International Film Festival 2023.
For details, visit: https://t.co/apY7kuNYDm#AsianCompetition #IndianCinemaCompetition #KannadaCompetition #BIFFes @OrionMalls @_PVRCinemas pic.twitter.com/obBJhKN6nh

— BIFFES (@BIFFESBLR) March 22, 2023

Centenary celebrations

As a mark of tribute to India’s legendary cinematographer VK Murthy, the BIFFES planned several discussions, and workshops on his centenary celebrations.

“Our KCA Chairman, who is also a cinematographer, has planned to invite some of the best cinematographers for meaningful events, as a mark of tribute to VK Murthy. The BIFFES will also host some exciting masterclasses with renowned writer Vijayendra Prasad and a few from the RRR team to talk about the phenomenal success of the Oscar-winning flick,” Narahari elucidated.

Also, BIFFES will have a theme: “Revisiting Classic Films to Watch Out For”.

The inaugural film: Kantara

As a mark of respect for the kind of reception the film Kantara has earned from across the globe (it was screened at the UN in Geneva), the BIFFES has chosen to be the inaugural film at the event.

Oscar-winning films Everything Everywhere All at Once and The Whale, amongst other foreign films, are this year’s highlights.

Also, Kannada films with the highest representation will be competing at the festival.

For more details on the screening schedule and venue, visit the official website of BIFFES.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by BIFFES (@biffesblr)