The Garden City’s Cinematic Renaissance: A Report on BIFFes 2026

Indian film critic V. K. Joseph reports on the 17th Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes 2026), examining its expansive global programming, academic rigor, and the political controversy surrounding Palestinian cinema that came to define this year’s edition.

As the cool January breeze sweeps through the boulevards of Bengaluru, the city has once again traded its reputation as India’s “Silicon Valley” for the mantle of its “Celluloid Hub.” The 17th Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes), running from January 29 to February 6, 2026, successfully turned the city into a global biotope of storytelling, blending the high-tech sheen of virtual production with the raw, evocative power of independent cinema.

Packages for Every Cinephile

The festival’s structure ensured that no niche was left unexplored:

World Cinema: Over 200 films from 60 countries, featuring award-winners from Cannes and Berlin.
Indian Cinema Competition: A vibrant mosaic of linguistic diversity, presenting searing dramas from Manipur to Kerala.
The Polish Package: A deep dive into the soul of Poland, from Andrzej Wajda’s classics to contemporary biopics of icons such as Frédéric Chopin.
Celluloid Gems: Restored classics like Rudaali and Bimal Roy’s Do Bigha Zameen were screened to remind the new generation of the tactile beauty of film.

Cinematic Packages: The Global Map

The programming reflected meticulous curation of global and regional concerns:

The Polish Focus: A standout package celebrating Polish artistry, from the 4K restoration of Wajda’s Kanal to contemporary biopics of national icons.
World Cinema: 200+ films from 60 countries, including the Dutch inaugural film Porte Bagage, which explores the delicate intersection of dementia and immigration.
The Palestinian Row: A focal point of 2026, where brand ambassador Prakash Raj led a spirited discourse on the screening of films such as The Voice of Hind Rajab, emphasizing that “cinema and literature should focus on human stories, not political agendas.”

The controversy surrounding the Palestinian films became the defining political flashpoint of the 17th BIFFes 2026. What was intended to be a curated showcase of Middle Eastern narratives instead ignited a high-stakes standoff between the festival’s artistic leadership, the Karnataka State Government, and the Union Government.

The Root of the Conflict: The CBFC Block

The controversy began when the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting reportedly withheld clearance for four out of five Palestinian films scheduled for screening. Under Indian law, films screened at international festivals either require a CBFC certificate or a specific exemption from the Ministry.

The stalled films included:

The Voice of Hind Rajab: A documentary exploring the tragic story of a young girl in Gaza, which has become a global symbol of the humanitarian crisis.
Put Your Soul On Your Hand and Walk: A narrative feature examining the psychological toll of displacement.
Two other contemporary works that were part of a dedicated “Palestinian Cinema” package.

The “Prakash Raj” Intervention

The festival’s brand ambassador, Prakash Raj, catalyzed the controversy during the inaugural ceremony on January 29, 2026. Eschewing a traditional speech, he recited “The War Will End” by Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish.

His public critique was direct:

“Today, I see a lot more political intervention in film festivals, and Palestinian movies are now being stalled… I request, and also demand, that the state government protest against such bans and take a firm stand.”

A film festival is rated and ranked not only by the films screened, but also by its academic activities.

Academic Sessions: A University for Film Lovers

BIFFes 2026 distinguished itself as an “Open University” for the cinematic arts. The sessions were packed with students and professionals alike.

The Polish Legacy: A standout academic highlight was the panel discussion “Polish Cinema and the Andrzej Wajda Legacy.” Led by Polish cultural delegates, the session explored art, history, and identity, providing a masterclass on how Polish cinema uses visual metaphors to navigate political trauma.
Virtual Production & VFX: In a nod to Bengaluru’s technological status, masterclasses on virtual production (using the technology behind Kantara Chapter 1) demonstrated how LED volumes and real-time rendering are replacing traditional green screens.
The Gender Seminar: Centered on the festival theme “Woman As She Is,” this session featured debates on the “Female Gaze,” moderated by scholars who analyzed the shift from women being subjects of the camera to becoming architects of narrative.

This year’s theme, Woman As She Is, strongly influenced the discourse, focusing on women’s empowerment and gender equality.

Most academic sessions, including masterclasses and open forums, were hosted at the Lower Ground Open Forum at Lulu Mall, Rajajinagar.

Special Seminar: FIPRESCI at 100

A special seminar celebrated a century of film criticism, discussing future challenges and possibilities with international critics such as Laurenţiu Brătan.

Speakers: N. Manu Chakravarthy (Professor), V. K. Joseph (Critic), Laurenţiu Brătan (Curator), Rekha Deshpande (Writer).
Moderator: N. Vidyashankar.

Workshops and Specialized Classes

Film Appreciation: A session celebrating the centenary of Prof. Satish Bahadur, titled “The Art of De-construction in Cinema.”
Archiving and Restoration: A discussion on the preservation of moving images, particularly relevant given the festival’s focus on restored classics.
Vertical Filmmaking: The Impact & Future
- Speakers: Rajshri Ponnappa (Actor/Producer), Manohar Joshi (Cinematographer), Lovenith S. Rampure (Content Lead), Varsha (Actor/OTT Head).
- Moderator: Sunayana Suresh (Journalist).
Rewriting the Gaze: Women Directors
- Speakers: Jacqueline Roussety (Germany), Nidhi Saxena.
- Moderator: Sindhu Sreenivasa Murthy.
AI Disruption in Entertainment
- Speakers: Vivek Reddy, Adithya Mani, Arul Moorthy.

Most of these sessions featured a high-profile lineup of prominent filmmakers, technicians, and industry experts.

Closing Remarks

As the festival headed toward its grand finale on February 6, the discourse was dominated by a call for “Cinema Without Borders.” With Prakash Raj as brand ambassador, the festival did not shy away from political dialogue, advocating for the power of film to address inequality and social justice.