Governor Vajubhai R. Vala will present the awards for award-winning movies during the valedictory of the 9th Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes) at the Mysore Palace premises this evening at 6.30 pm.

PWD and District in-Charge Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa will be the chief guest. Chief Minister Siddharamaiah will preside over the event. Ministers Tanveer Sait, Priyank Kharge, Mayor M.J. Ravikumar, MP Pratap Simha, MLAs M.K. Somashekar, Karantaka Film Chamber of Commerce  (KFCC) President Sa.Ra. Govindu will be present.

The valedictory event will also feature dance ballet from Nirupama Rajendra and troupe based on theme ‘Silver to Silicon’. Later, film artistes will present an entertainment programme titled ‘Sambrahma’.  

A total of 240 films including 40 Kannada movies were screened in 18 categories during the 9th BIFFes in Bengaluru and Mysuru. Among them, 10 awards will be presented this evening under four categories.

Separate awards for Kannada language such as ‘Best Kannada Movie 1, 2 and 3’ and one international jury award will be presented. This apart, three awards for popular Kannada movies will also be presented.

In the Indian cinema category, two Best Jury Award, one Critic Award and one award in Asia category will be presented.

The Information Department has erected a magnificent stage measuring 72×64 ft in width and 4ft in height. The stage design resembles the famous Musical Pillars of Vittala Temple in Hampi and 8,000 spectators are expected to be present.

Entry for the VVIPs, guests, judges, artistes and media persons has been provided from Kari Kallu Thotti gate. For those having invitee passes, entry will be provided through Varaha Gate instead of Jayamarthanda Gate. Ahead of this evening’s function, workers were seen giving final touches to the arrangements. Police bomb squad and dog squad conducted checks at various locations with the help of Hand-Held Metal Detectors (HHMD) and Raksha, the sniffer dog.  Later, the Police will install Door-Framed Metal Dectors (DFMD) at various entry points.  

A total of 10,000 chairs including 7,500 plastic chairs and special seating for 2,500 VVIPs and VIPs have been made in front of the stage. A few tourists were also seen taking selfies in front the artistic stage. They were also seen clicking selfies in front of dollu kunita models installed at various points.

Tight Police security

The Mysuru City Police have provided tight security for the event. Security arrangements will be supervised by one DCP. This apart, two ACPs, 7 Police Inspectors, 20 Sub Inspectors, 37 ASIs, 201 Head Constables and Constables, 37 Women PCs, 2 KSRP Platoons, bomb squad and Commando Squad will be deployed.

Sound and light show to resume

The Sound and Light Show organised by Mysore Palace Board which has been temporarily stopped from Feb. 6 to Feb.10 for the preparations for BIFFes valedictory will resume from Feb. 11 (Saturday).