The artistic director of the 7th edition of the Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes), Vidyashankar, is an acknowledged film critic and has been writing on world and Kannada cinema in both English and Kannada for over three decades. He has been associated with the film society movement since 1977. Mr. Vidyashankar has compiled and edited two works on European film theories and African cinema.
Here is his take on BIFFes:
On the purpose of a film festival
Film festival empowers the viewer to exercise his right to see what he wants rather than what is thrust on him at the market place. At the same time, it empowers filmmakers to widen their creative possibilities by watching the kaleidoscope of expressions from different cultures, variety of economic, political and social environs. It is a democratic space for cultural interaction and mirrors the global human situation of today like other medium.
On the 7th edition of BIFFes
The contemporary world cinema is abundant in quality and quantity. Our selection committee watched some 400 screeners before selecting 60 films. Similarly, all efforts were made to bring the best minds and technicians to create space for interaction and open new vistas for those who are experimenting with the medium. This year’s highlight is the presentation of a bunch of highly-acclaimed Asian films. Our emphasis is also on showcasing a very good package of latest Latin American films.
On the theme of gender violence
We hear about rape and other forms of violence against women on a daily basis. We thought this is the right subject to address in the festival and highlight by focusing on how other countries have explored the issue through cinema.
