Bengaluru International Film Festival Expands to Three Venues in 2026

The Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFES) 2026 will be held from January 29 to February 6, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Monday at Vidhana Soudha. The nine-day festival will showcase cinema from India and across the globe, reinforcing Bengaluru's position as a key hub for international film culture.

A regular fixture on the city's cultural calendar, the festival is known for bringing together filmmakers, technicians, artistes and cinema lovers from multiple industries. The event offers a platform for interaction between Kannada cinema and other Indian and international film communities, encouraging creative exchange and discussion on evolving storytelling trends.

Multiple Venues for BIFFES 2026

Unlike earlier editions that were largely confined to a single location, the 2026 festival will expand across three venues. Film screenings will take place at Lulu Mall, Dr. Rajkumar Bhavan in Chamarajapete, and Suchitra Film Society in Banashankari, allowing wider access for audiences across the city.

Officials said the multi-venue format is aimed at accommodating larger crowds and improving accessibility for film enthusiasts.

Film Line-up and International Participation

According to the chief minister, 110 films have already been confirmed for BIFFES 2026. These selections represent 60 countries, offering viewers a diverse range of narratives, cultures and cinematic styles within the official programme.

Among the highlights will be a film shortlisted for the Academy Awards, which is set to screen alongside other internationally recognised works, adding prestige to this year's line-up.

Focus on Women's Empowerment

The central theme for the Bengaluru International Film Festival 2026 will be women's empowerment. Organisers plan to host focused panel discussions, filmmaker interactions and informal conversations around gender representation, women-led narratives and the role of cinema in shaping social change.

With an expanded venue list, a wider selection of films and strong international participation, BIFFES 2026 is expected to offer Bengaluru audiences deeper engagement with world cinema while placing important social conversations at the heart of the festival.