Bengaluru International Film Festival, BIFFes, 2025: Universal Peace in Diversity

At one time, Bangalore (now Bengaluru) was considered an ideal holiday location and a town where retirees could settle down after their decades of service. Today’s Bengaluru is nothing of the kind. It has progressed beyond the wildest imaginations. Many top companies, both Indian and foreign, have made it their headquarters, or regional headquarters. And, perhaps, it was the first city to earn the title of the IT capital of India. Bengaluru also has a thriving film industry, and hosts BIFFes every year, on a grand scale. Having served on their FIPRESCI jury a few years ago, I can vouch for its warmth and hospitality.

This is the 16^th edition of the festival. FIAPF Accredited, (BIFFes) is being organised by the Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy for the Government of Karnataka. It will be held during 1st–8th March, 2025. Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka State in India, is an important centre of International and Indian film culture, in keeping with Karnataka’s glorious heritage and the State’s achievements in the fields of literature, fine arts, music and cinema. ‘Universal Peace in Diversity’ is the festival theme for this edition.

More than 200 films will be screened, across 13+ screens, with 400 shows across 13 screens, at three venues. PVR Orion Mall, which has 11 screens,  will be the main venue. The films come from as many as 60 countries. Well over 10,000+ delegates are expected to attend. Like its previous editions, competitive sections for the Asian, Indian and Kannada Cinema will be held, rewarding the winners with cash prizes, during the closing ceremony of the film festival.

The film festival will also host various sessions for the academic interactions/discourse on different aspects of Filmmaking & Film Appreciation, through Seminars, Workshops, Master classes etc., for the benefit of filmmaking practitioners, discerning audiences and students. Through these academic events, BIFFes aims at enhancing the knowledge and understanding of the film art form, medium, market and exploring the historical milestones, features and trends in contemporary film-making.

Headed by Artistic Director Vidyashankar Jois, a Jury Member at the 70^th Cannes International Film Festival, who has held the present position from 2006 onwards, the BIFFes promises to be an event to cherish.