Bengaluru Film Fest Returns Jan 29: Prakash Raj Ambassador, Global Films to Screen

• The 17th Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFES) will be held from January 29 to February 6.
• Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah announced the festival, to be inaugurated at Vidhana Soudha; Prakash Raj appointed ambassador.
• Over 200 films from 60+ countries, including Oscar-shortlisted and award-winners from Cannes, Berlin, Venice, will be screened.
• Festival theme likely women empowerment; screenings at Cinepolis Lulu Mall, Dr. Rajkumar Bhavan, Artists’ Association, Suchitra Film Society.
• Rs 7 crore grant approved; applications for competition categories open until December 31.

Why It Matters: The 17th Bengaluru International Film Festival, with Prakash Raj as ambassador, will showcase global cinema from Jan 29-Feb 6.