17th Bengaluru International Film Festival Concludes with Major Award Announcements
The 17th edition of the prestigious Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFES) drew to a successful close over the weekend, celebrating cinematic excellence across multiple categories. The festival's grand finale saw the Kannada film Vanya, the Marathi film Sabar Bonda (Cactus Pears), and Japan's Lost Land (Hara Watan) clinching the coveted Best Film awards in the Kannada, Indian, and Asian competition sections, respectively.
Winning Directors Reflect on Festival Success and Industry Challenges
In exclusive post-award conversations, the triumphant filmmakers shared profound insights into what recognition at a major festival like BIFFES signifies for their careers and the broader cinematic landscape.
Badiger Devendra, the director of the Best Kannada Film Vanya, expressed that festival victories evoke complex emotions. "Winning a title at a film festival is a responsibility. From here on, all eyes are on you, and you need to aim to do better," he stated. Devendra highlighted that festivals have become crucial platforms for emerging filmmakers to connect with audiences, especially as traditional movie-watching habits decline. He issued a compelling call for industry support, noting, "It's important for A-category actors to come out and promote new filmmakers and their films, which is not happening."
Rohan Parashuram Kanawade, director of the Best Indian Film Sabar Bonda, emphasized that a filmmaker's geographical or cultural background is secondary to the authenticity of their artistic voice. "I don't think the place you come from really matters. What matters is the film you have made and whether it has your own voice," he asserted. Kanawade stressed that emotional resonance with viewers outweighs budgetary constraints. Looking beyond the festival circuit, he added, "After festivals, the main goal is to get the film into theatres because you want a global audience. We're telling stories of human beings, and there are human beings all over the world."
Fazil Razak, whose Malayalam film Moham (Desire) won the Second Best Indian Film award, described festivals as essential testing grounds for new work. "At present, what is most helpful for filmmakers like us are film festivals. They are the easiest way to reach audiences and gauge their response," he explained. Razak dismissed the notion that awards should dictate creative direction, stating, "Winning an award or making a film is not necessarily a responsibility. When we make a film, we simply try to do our best and narrate the story honestly." He offered crucial advice to aspiring creators: "Many times, things don't work out because of production issues or problems with actors. But despite all the hurdles, the most important thing is to make the film. You shouldn't wait for all your stars to align to make a film."
Complete List of Award Winners at BIFFES 2024
The festival jury recognized outstanding contributions across three primary competition categories:
Asian Cinema Competition
- Best Asian Film: Lost Land (Hara Watan) — Directed by Akio Fujimoto (Japan)
- Second Best Asian Film: Shape of Momo — Directed by Tribeny Rai (India/Nepal)
- Third Best Asian Film: The Deepest Space in Us — Directed by Yasutomo Chikuma (Japan)
- Special Jury Mention: Republic of Pipolipinas (Republika Ng Pipolipinas) — Directed by Renei Dimla (Philippines)
Indian Cinema Competition
- Best Indian Film: Sabar Bonda (Cactus Pears) — Directed by Rohan Parashuram Kanawade (India)
- Second Best Indian Film: Moham (Desire) — Directed by Fazil Razak (India)
- Third Best Indian Film: Kaadu — Directed by Suneesh Vadakumbadan (India)
- FIPRESCI Award: Gondhal — Directed by Santosh Davakhar (India)
- Special Jury Mention: Sarkeet (A Short Trip) — Directed by Thamar Mon Karuvanta Valappil (India)
Kannada Cinema Competition
- Best Kannada Film: Vanya — Directed by Badiger Devendra (India)
- Second Best Kannada Film: Nam Saali — Directed by Aneelkumar (India)
- Third Best Kannada Film: Ravana Rajyadalli Navadampathigalu — Directed by Ranga (India)
The 17th BIFFES not only celebrated cinematic achievements but also sparked important conversations about the future of filmmaking, the role of festivals in nurturing talent, and the collective responsibility to support diverse voices in cinema. The festival's legacy continues to shine as a beacon for independent and regional filmmakers seeking recognition and audience engagement in an increasingly competitive industry landscape.
