Bengaluru: The 13th Bengaluru International Film Festival 2022 (BIFFES) organised by Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy was inaugurated by Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai in a star-studded ceremony on March 3 Thursday.
The programme began with a moment of silence as a tribute to late Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar. The festival started with the traditional lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries. Priyadarshan inaugurated the signature film of BIFFES 2022. Minister of Horticulture Munirathna, wife of late Puneeth Rajkumar Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar, renowned producer Rockline Venkatesh, Jayaraj presided over the ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion Chief Minister Bommai said, “Putting the festival in such a short time is indeed an achievement and we should be thankful for Covid which has shown us what we can do. I always say that Calamity Brings Opportunities.”
“Cinema is an extremely influential medium and Kannada Cinema is vital for the growth and nurturing of Kannada language and culture. We have to resurrect the theatre culture where families and friends get together watch a film. This festival has to become number one International Festival in India. We have to get good quality films. Our movie makers should make cinemas with social message. I have already announced Karnataka Ratna to Puneeth Rajkumar,” CM Bommai said.
Work on Film city project which was announced in last year’s budget will begin in 2022. “Government supports the idea of making a memorial for Puttanna Kanagal and we will also support the completion of the 300-seater theatre in the academy,” he added.
Renowned cine actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, released the “Festival Souvenir” and Padmashree Bharathi Vishnuvardhan, renowned south Indian cine actor and three-times national awardee Padmashree Priyadarshan will be the special guests.
Delivering his inaugural notes, Chairman of Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy Suneel Puranik said, “At this hour it is my duty to remember Late K. N. Chandrashekar who guided us ably to get the prestigious FIAPF (International Federation of Producers Association) accreditation.” He also appealed to the Government to establish a memorial for Renowned Director Late Puttanna Kanagal and also financial support for completing the academy’s theatre. In a historic first both appeals were accepted on stage by the Chief Minister.
Munirathna said, “It is a great fortune that we have a Chief Minister who is completely supportive of cinema.” This sentiment was echoed by Priyadarshan, “I am so happy to see such a supportive chief minister I wish we had more such Chief Ministers.”
N. Narahari Rao, artistic director addressing the gathering said, “It’s a miracle that this Festival is put together in a such a short time – just over 35 days.”
J. Jayaraj, Chairman of Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce also preside in the inaugural ceremony.
About BIFFES
As always, this year too award winning regional, state, national and international films have been selected for screening in the fest. In all 200 films from 55 countries will be featured from varied themes. Renowned Directors, cinema professionals, artists will deliver lectures and hold interactions on interesting, informational topics. This is designed to guide and inspire the new generation enthusiasts. This time apart from the physical screening in the theatres, select films will also be streamed online in BIFFES’ OTT platform from March 4. For more details visit www.biffes.org.
