Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah yesterday held a meeting with the organising committee of the 17th Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes) to review preparations for the upcoming edition of the prestigious cinematic event. The meeting focused on logistical arrangements, programming and outreach as the state readies itself to host filmmakers and cinema lovers from across the world.

According to an ANI report, the Chief Minister was joined at the meeting by senior officials and members of the film fraternity, including Sadhu Kokila, President of the Film Academy and Hemant Nimbalkar, Commissioner of the Information Department.

Addressing the media after the meeting, Siddaramaiah announced that the 17th edition of BIFFes will be held from January 29 to February 6, 2026, with the inaugural ceremony scheduled to take place on the grand steps in front of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly.

Senior actor, director and producer Prakash Raj has been appointed as the brand ambassador of the festival. The Chief Minister also revealed that this year’s festival will revolve around the theme of women’s empowerment, underlining the event’s focus on socially relevant storytelling and inclusive narratives.

The application process for films in the Asian, Indian and Kannada cinema competitive categories has already begun, with more than 110 films submitted so far across these sections. The last date for submission of entries in the competitive categories is December 31, 2025.

Screenings for the festival will be spread across multiple venues in the city, including Lulu Mall in Rajajinagar, Dr. Rajkumar Bhavan, the Artists’ Association in Chamarajpet and Suchitra Film Society cinemas in Banashankari.