BENGALURU: The seventh edition of the Bengaluru International Film Festival kicked off with a grand ceremony at Ambedkar Bhavan on Thursday. The event marks the beginning of a week-long festival bringing a bouquet of 170 films.
It began with a melodious rendition of the state anthem, followed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah lighting a lamp.The guests of honour were senior director and cinematographer Govind Nihalani and actors Suhasini Manirathnam, Yash and Meghana Raj. Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy president S V Rajendra Singh Babu sought a revised policy for the Kannada film industry. “The last policy was made in 1994 under the Subba Rao Committee.”
Siddaramaiah welcomed the idea of a five-year plan, and announced the government would come out with a policy after consulting the various departments of the industry. “This is an opportunity to compare the quality of films made in Kannada with those in other languages,” he said.
He said cinema was a powerful medium, and the industry should stop making films that pollute the rich culture of Karnataka.
Information Minister Roshan Baig said, “A convention centre is being planned under the PPP model as as permanent venue for future festivals.” N R Vishukumar, Director of the Information Department, thanked the government and others for the support.
Actor Yash said cinema would always remain as an inspiration to many. “We build so many dreams. We have a lot of young talent coming up in Kannada and we hope to make good films,” he said. Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy and Kannada and Culture Minister Umashree also attended the event.