Bengaluru, Dec 23 (NationPress) The 17th iteration of the Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFES) is set to occur from January 29 to February 6, as announced by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during a preparatory meeting on Tuesday.

In a press conference, the Chief Minister revealed that acclaimed actor, director, and producer Prakash Raj has been designated as the Brand Ambassador for this year's festival.

The festival's opening ceremony will take place on the grand steps in front of the Vidhana Soudha.

This year's festival theme emphasizes women empowerment.

Films will be screened at 11 locations across Cinepolis in Lulu Mall, located in Rajajinagar, Bengaluru.

The submission phase for films in the Asian, Indian, and Kannada competitive categories is underway and has garnered significant interest.

Over 110 films have already been submitted in these three sections, with the submission deadline set for December 31, 2025.

Besides Lulu Mall, screenings will also occur at Dr. Rajkumar Bhavan (also known as Kalavidara Sangha) in Chamarajpet and Suchitra Film Society theatres in Banashankari.

In total, more than 200 films from over 60 countries, including Kannada and Indian films, will be presented, featuring over 400 screenings.

Films recognized and awarded at prestigious international festivals such as Cannes, Berlin, Venice, Karlovy Vary, Locarno, Rotterdam, Busan, and Toronto will be showcased at this festival.

Additionally, films nominated for this year's Academy Awards (Oscars) from various nations will also be part of the screenings.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah noted that international cultural institutions, such as the Polish Cultural Centre in New Delhi, Goethe-Institut – Max Mueller Bhavan in Bengaluru, Alliance Française – French Institute, and the Royal Thailand Consulate, are contributing their finest films for the festival.

A special retrospective featuring selected works by celebrated Polish director Andrzej Wajda will be organized in collaboration with the Polish Cultural Centre to commemorate his birth centenary.

Moreover, a unique film series highlighting the history of African cinema will be presented in partnership with Alliance Française Bengaluru and the French Institute in India.

To facilitate a larger number of registered delegates, a special stage will be constructed at the main venue for film academic programs.

A photo exhibition celebrating milestones of the Kannada film industry, which boasts a cinematic history of 91 years, will also take place at the venue, according to CM Siddaramaiah.

For the financial year 2025–26, the Karnataka government has allocated Rs 7 crore to organize the 17th International Film Festival.

Awards for the best films and Lifetime Achievement Awards will be conferred during the closing ceremony.

Film Academy President Sadhu Kokila, along with key figures including Information Department Secretary B.B. Kaveri, Commissioner Hemanth Nimbalkar, Additional Chief Secretary Anjum Parvez, and Finance Department Principal Secretary Ritesh Kumar Singh, were present at the preparatory meeting.