Bengaluru International Film Festival 2025 Kicks Off with Focus on Women and Global Cinema
The cultural calendar of India's Silicon Valley is set to shine brightly as the 17th edition of the Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes) prepares to unfold from January 29 to February 6, 2025. This year's cinematic extravaganza finds its new home at Cinepolis, Lulu Mall in Rajajinagar, west Bengaluru, marking a significant venue shift from the previous Orion Mall location.
Theme and Inauguration: Celebrating Women in Cinema
With the powerful theme 'Woman: As She Is', inspired by national poet GS Shivarudrappa's evocative line, the festival carries the tagline 'Shared sensibilities, a collective voice for equality'. The inauguration ceremony will be graced by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at Vidhana Soudha, while Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot will preside over the valedictory function and distribute awards across three competitive categories.
The festival boasts renowned actor Prakash Raj and popular actress Rukmini Vasanth as its ambassadors, adding star power to the proceedings. In alignment with the theme, BIFFes 2025 will showcase over 60 films directed by women filmmakers, providing a substantial platform for female voices in global cinema.
Film Selection and Screenings: A Global Cinematic Journey
Film enthusiasts can look forward to an impressive lineup of approximately 225 films from nearly 70 countries, offering a diverse cinematic experience. The main screenings will run from January 30 to February 6 across 11 screens at Cinepolis, with additional screenings at the Kannada Film Artists Association in Chamarajpet and the Suchitra Film Society in Banashankari.
The 'World in Bengaluru' section will feature acclaimed films from countries including:
- United States of America
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- France
- Korea
- Several other nations
Special Screenings and Tributes
The festival pays homage to cinematic legends through several special segments:
- Feast of Classics: Landmark Kannada films honoring stalwarts of Sandalwood
- Tributes to Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika and Egyptian director Youssef Chahine
- Screening of the restored film 'Amarashilpi Jakanachari' featuring Abhinaya Saraswathi, Padma Bhushan, Dr B Saroja Devi
- 'Golmal Radhakrishna' screening in honor of MS Umesh
- The digitized Kannada film 'Accident' starring Shankar Nag in DCP format
- Five restored 4K-resolution blockbuster films featuring Padma Bhushan Dr Rajkumar
- Five popular films of renowned actress Smita Patil
Educational and Interactive Components
Beyond film screenings, BIFFes 2025 offers comprehensive learning opportunities through:
- Daily workshops on film production and direction
- Seminars and interactions with industry experts
- Lectures and conferences covering screenplay writing and film technology
- Expert-led discussions on various aspects of filmmaking
This multifaceted approach ensures that the festival serves not only as an entertainment platform but also as an educational hub for aspiring filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts.
The Bengaluru International Film Festival continues to strengthen its position as one of India's premier cinematic events, bringing together global perspectives while celebrating regional talent and addressing important social themes through the powerful medium of film.
