Actor Prakash Raj stirred controversy at the BIFFes 2025 opening by alleging that Palestinian films were prevented from being screened due to political interference. Calling the move unacceptable, he urged the Karnataka government to take a firm stand.
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Just when everyone expected a smooth opening for the Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes), actor Prakash Raj dropped a truth bomb that left the audience stunned. Instead of the usual film festival pleasantries, Prakash Raj chose to speak about pain, politics, and what he called an unfair silence forced on Palestinian stories.
Taking the stage on January 29, Prakash Raj began not with jokes or praise, but with lines from a Palestinian poem. His voice carried through the hall as he read: “Wars end, leaders shake hands and leave, but the old woman waits for her son…”
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The room went quiet.
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The actor alleged that the central government had prevented the screening of Palestinian films at the 17th edition of BIFFes. According to him, these films were meant to be part of the festival but were stopped due to political reasons.
Prakash Raj, who is also the brand ambassador of this year’s festival, said this kind of interference goes against the very soul of cinema. He stressed that films should tell human stories, not undergo filtering through political comfort.
Speaking passionately, the actor explained why international film festivals matter. “The purpose of international film festivals or literary festivals is to share different ideas and provide opportunities for human connection,” he said.
He also warned that creative spaces are shrinking. According to him, political interference in cinema and literature has increased in recent times, limiting what stories can be told and seen.
Prakash Raj did not stop at criticism. From the stage, he made a direct appeal to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the Karnataka government. He requested and openly demanded that the state take a stand and allow the screening of Palestinian films.
Calling the reported ban “unacceptable,” he urged the state government to protest the decision and support artistic freedom.
In his speech, Prakash Raj pointed to Kerala as an example of courage. He said the Kerala government had taken a clear stand by allowing the screening of Palestinian films despite the controversy.
“Karnataka should also show the same courage,” he added drawing applause from sections of the audience.
Ironically, BIFFes 2025 is one of the most diverse editions so far. The festival is showcasing more than 300 films from across the world, over 100 award-winning movies, and 60 films directed by women.
The festival runs from January 30 to February 6 across multiple venues in Bengaluru, including Cinepolis at Lulu Mall near Majestic, Suchitra Film Society in Banashankari, and the Kannada Film Artistes’ Association near Makkala Koota in Chamarajpet.
Yet, amid this celebration of global cinema, the absence of Palestinian films has become the loudest talking point.
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