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Bengaluru Minister: Cinema Needs Diverse Voices
6 Feb
Summary
- Films should embrace all styles, not just one viewpoint.
- Freedom of expression is vital for art and democracy.
- BIFFes saw over 100,000 attendees and 11,000 delegates.
At the 17th Bangalore International Film Festival (BIFFes) valedictory ceremony, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao advocated for diverse cinematic expression. He stated that films should not be restricted to commercial, art, or middle-ground categories, asserting that all forms must coexist and that freedom of expression is paramount for art and democracy.
Rao urged filmmakers to embrace diverse viewpoints and resist pressures that narrow storytelling. He emphasized the responsibility of artists to express all perspectives, highlighting the essential role of creative freedom in a healthy democracy. This sentiment was echoed by composer Hamsalekha, who received a lifetime achievement award.
The successful BIFFes, which concluded recently, drew over one lakh visitors and around 11,000 delegates worldwide. A total of 248 feature films were showcased across 13 screens at three different venues.
Festival ambassador Prakash Raj also voiced criticism regarding the exclusion of Palestinian films, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and representing the pain of societies through cinema. Various awards were presented across international, Indian, and Kannada cinema categories, recognizing diverse filmmaking achievements.
