The 17th Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes 2026) was inaugurated in a grand and culturally vibrant ceremony on Wednesday, reaffirming the city’s status as a key hub for global cinema. The nine-day festival, which will run till February 6, brings together filmmakers, artists and cinema lovers from across the world.
The festival was officially inaugurated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at an impressive event held in front of Vidhana Soudha. Acclaimed actor Prakash Raj, the brand ambassador of BIFFes 2026, and actor Rukmini Vasanth were present as special guests. The ceremony featured a world music performance led by noted violinist Dr Jyotsna Srikanth, blending music and cinema in a celebratory opening.
This year’s BIFFes is being held on the theme “Woman As She Is — Shared Sensibilities, A Collective Voice for Equality,” highlighting women-centric narratives and perspectives in world cinema. Around 225 films from nearly 70 countries are being screened across multiple venues in Bengaluru, including Cinepolis at Lulu Mall and other designated theatres.
The festival opened with the screening of the Dutch film “Port Baggage,” setting the tone for a diverse and thought-provoking lineup. The programme includes competitive and non-competitive sections such as Indian Cinema Competition, Contemporary World Cinema, Retrospectives, Documentaries, and Short Films.
Notable Indian films featured in the competition section include “Cactus Pears” (Marathi), “Our School” (Kannada), “Gaman” (Marathi), “A Pregnant Widow” (Malayalam) and several other critically acclaimed works. International selections include films that have premiered at major festivals like Cannes, Berlin and Venice.
Apart from screenings, BIFFes 2026 will host panel discussions, masterclasses and interactive sessions, offering a platform for dialogue on cinema, society and creative freedom.
With a strong focus on inclusivity, artistic expression and global storytelling, BIFFes 2026 promises to be a cinematic celebration that resonates beyond screens, strengthening Bengaluru’s place on the international cultural map.