Bengaluru International Film Festival Opens Amid Controversy Over Palestinian Films
The 17th edition of the Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes) commenced on Thursday amidst controversy and political debate, with prominent actor and brand ambassador Prakash Raj strongly questioning the Karnataka government's stance on screening Palestinian movies. The festival's opening was marked by a powerful statement from Raj, who expressed concern over increasing political intervention in cultural events.
Prakash Raj's Poetic Protest and Political Challenge
During the inauguration ceremony, Prakash Raj delivered a poignant recitation from The War Will End, a celebrated poem by Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish, setting a reflective tone for the festival. The actor, who has been associated with BIFFes for 16 years, highlighted what he perceives as growing political interference in film festivals across India.
"I came here 16 years ago. Today, I see a lot more political intervention in film festivals, and Palestinian movies are now being stalled," Raj stated emphatically. His comments directly addressed the current situation where several Palestinian films are awaiting clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), resulting in their screening being postponed indefinitely.
Kerala Example and Karnataka's Response
Drawing parallels with a recent incident at the International Literature Festival of Kerala, where Palestinian films were initially barred before the state government intervened, Prakash Raj urged the Karnataka administration to take similar decisive action. "The government there ensured the films were screened. I want Karnataka government to do the same. I request, and also demand, that the state government protest against such bans and take a firm stand in support of screening these films," he declared.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, while addressing the gathering, chose not to directly respond to the specific issue of Palestinian films. Instead, he spoke broadly about cinema's societal role, stating: "Films are not merely for entertainment. They are a medium to reflect social realities, communities, injustices and differences. Film festivals help us understand cultures, lifestyles, politics and the land through cinema, and allow us to compare our society with others."
Political Support and Festival Highlights
Shivajinagar MLA Rizwan Arshad came forward in support of the Chief Minister's position, asserting: "Our CM is not afraid to express his stand, no matter the pressure. We are not scared of anyone when it comes to standing up for what we believe." This statement added another layer to the ongoing political discourse surrounding artistic freedom and cultural expression.
Despite the controversy, BIFFes promises an impressive cinematic experience with its diverse programming:
- 60 films directed by women filmmakers
- Over 300 films from different countries worldwide
- More than 100 award-winning films from international festivals
The festival is being held across multiple venues in Bengaluru from January 30 to February 6, including:
- Cinepolis in Lulu Mall near Majestic
- Suchitra Film Society in Banashankari
- Kannada Film Artistes' Association near Makkala Koota in Chamarajpet
This year's BIFFes not only showcases global cinema but has also become a platform for important conversations about artistic freedom, political influence on cultural events, and the role of cinema in addressing contemporary social and political issues. The controversy surrounding Palestinian films has brought these discussions to the forefront, making this edition particularly significant in the festival's history.
