BIFFes kick-starts with a grand ceremony

It’s curtains up for the Bangalore International Film Festival (BIFFes). The 14th edition of the prestigious event was inaugurated on Thursday by CM Basavaraj Bommai at the Vidhana Soudha premises. The event saw eminent personalities such as Minister R Ashoka, Ba Ma Harish and actors Abishek Ambareesh, Sapthami Gowda, and Harshika Poonachcha take part.
The night remembered legendary cinematographer VK Murthy as its the year of his 100th birth anniversary.

Hollywood will come to us
In his speech, the CM spoke of how Bengaluru has now become the cynosure of all eyes with the kind of films being made here. “KGF and Kantara have brought us international attention. The kind of technology we have here is unparalleled and I have made a note of what the industry needs. I promise to fulfill the demand of a film city soon. It shall be of top-notch quality and I want not only Bollywood, but Hollywood to come here and shoot their films,” the CM said.
He further revealed that he has increased the subsidy from 125 to 200 films. “We have also increased the amount of subsidy,” he shared. “You all wanted mini theatres to come up, so I’ve approved that plan too. These mini theatres will come up in tier 1 and 2 cities,” he assured.
Veteran story writer and father of Rajamouli, V Vijayendra Prasad, who was one of the chief guests, waxed eloquent on how lucky and fortunate this land has been for his family. “I got married here and both my children were born here. Today by the grace of the land, my son Rajamouli has made a name across the world. Which is why I say, huttidare Kannada nadalli huttabeku,” which drew loud cheers from the audience. No event in namma Karnataka is complete without reminiscing about Appu, and Shamitha Malnad and team paid a musical tribute to the Power Star.


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