The cosmopolitan city of Bengaluru is once again rolling out the red carpet for cinephiles, as the 15th edition of the Bengaluru International Film Festival gears up to open its doors. The highly anticipated delegate registration for the festival will commence on February 15, according to the announcement made by the festival’s organizers during a Friday press conference. This upcoming edition of the cinematic extravaganza is set to launch on February 29 and will run through until March 7.
With the festivities just around the corner, the organizers have emphasized that registration is an online-only process. Those interested in participating or attending can secure their passes by navigating to the festival’s official portal at biffes.org. A registration fee has been established at ₹800 for the general public, reflecting the festival’s inclusive ethos. Concession rates, however, are available at ₹400, offering a significant discount to those from the film industry, members of film societies, students, and senior citizens who are just as enthusiastic about the art of filmmaking. For further information and assistance with registration procedures, the festival has designated the contact number 080-23493410 and the email address [email protected] as points of inquiry.
In what promises to be a multi-faceted celebration of film and filmmaking, the festival’s artistic director, N. Vidyashankar, unveiled a program that encapsulates not just screenings of diverse and compelling cinema but also pays heartfelt tributes to the late luminaries of the film fraternity. This year, the festival will honor filmmaker Bhagavan, of the iconic Dorai-Bhagavan duo, the masterful director C.V. Shivashankar, the enchanting voice of singer Vani Jayaram, the melodies of composer Vijaya Bhaskar, and Mysuru’s own Sabu Dastagir, an actor who carved a niche for himself in Hollywood.
The Bengaluru International Film Festival is more than a showcase of films; it stands as a testament to the deeply intellectual discourse that surrounds cinema. The festival will host an array of academic programs comprising panel discussions, lectures, and workshops that delve into multiple aspects of film and culture. Some highlights include “Suvarna Karnataka Sambhrama” that will explore 90 glorious years of Kannada Cinema, a discourse on the portrayal of human rights and values within films, cutting-edge workshops on the application of AI in cinema, sound design and editing, and a masterclass dedicated to the intricate art of screenwriting.
In addition, the festival will feature the V.K. Murthy memorial lecture spotlighting the craft of cinematography, a Mrinal Sen centenary tribute lecture, and an essential conversation on gender sensitivity in film. These events contribute to an environment where both film professionals and enthusiasts can engage with each other and with subjects of profound cultural significance.
Furthermore, festival attendees will have the invaluable opportunity to hear from industry experts and engage with filmmakers from around the world, sharing knowledge, experiences, and insights that transcend the screen. The Bengaluru International Film Festival not only celebrates the universality of cinematic expression but also fosters a collaborative platform for global cultural exchange.
As the city of Bengaluru buzzes with excitement, this festival is poised to enchant attendees with its diverse programming, educational opportunities, and the celebration of cinematic heritage. The curtain is about to rise, and all roads lead to the Bengaluru International Film Festival, where the magic of movies is alive and celebrated by both film professionals and fans alike.
