BIFFeS 2026 Concludes with Major Wins for Regional Cinema
The 17th edition of the Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFeS) 2026 concluded in Bengaluru with a strong celebration of Indian and Asian cinema. The festival’s top honour for Best Indian Film went to the Marathi feature Sabar Bonda , while Vanya was adjudged the Best Kannada Film , reinforcing the festival’s role as a key platform for regional and independent storytelling.
‘Sabar Bonda’ Emerges as Best Indian Film
Written and directed by Rohan Parashuram Kanawade , Sabar Bonda follows the journey of a man who returns from the city to his native village after a family bereavement and reconnects emotionally and romantically with his childhood friend. The jury recognised the film for its intimate narrative, understated performances, and sensitive portrayal of memory, grief, and belonging.
In the same category, Malayalam film Moham , directed by Fazir Razak , secured second place, while Kaadu , directed by Suneesh Vadakumbadan , finished third.
‘Vanya’ Tops Kannada Film Segment
The Best Kannada Film award went to Vanya , directed by Badiger Devendra . The film, which earlier premiered at the International Film Festival of India , portrays a father–daughter struggle to protect their forest homeland from corporate exploitation, political manipulation, and systemic oppression.
Kannada films Nam Saali (directed by Anil Revoor ) and Ravana Rajyadalli Navadampatigalu (directed by Ranga ) secured second and third places respectively.
Lifetime Achievement Award for Hamsalekha
Renowned music composer and lyricist Hamsalekha was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award . Accepting the award, he described cinema as a collective art form and emphasised that art has a responsibility to protect democratic values. He also noted that films such as KGF and Kantara have helped Kannada cinema gain global visibility.
Asian Cinema and Special Jury Awards
In the Asian cinema competition, films such as Lost Land Harawatan , Shape of Momo , and The Deepest Space in Us were recognised. The Republic of Pipolipinas received a special jury mention, while Marathi film Gondhal won the FIPRESCI Award .
Festival Voices and Participation
Actor and director Prakash Raj , the festival’s brand ambassador, highlighted cinema as a universal language of emotion and stressed the importance of film festivals in showcasing diverse global narratives. Festival director P B Murali stated that the eight-day event recorded a footfall of over one lakh viewers , featuring nearly 300 films from 70 countries .
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao advocated greater freedom of expression in cinema, calling for minimal censorship and more open engagement with social issues.
This year’s theme, “Stree Yendare Ashte Sake (Is it enough to be a woman?)” , placed women’s empowerment and gender discourse at the centre of the festival’s programming.
Important Facts for Exams
Month: Current Affairs - February 06, 2026
Category: Culture | Indian Cinema