Bengaluru: Taking a dig at the kind of films being released across the country, health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao Friday said cinema should not be confined to a single style or viewpoint, stressing that freedom of expression is vital for both art and democracy.He was speaking at the valedictory ceremony of the 17th Bangalore International Film Festival (BIFFes). Rao said filmmakers carry a public responsibility and must resist pressures that narrow the range of stories. “Freedom of expression is crucial and we must preserve it. Art plays a big role in that. Producers, directors and everyone must take up that responsibility. Films should not be restricted to one type, whether commercial, art or middle-ground cinema. All forms should coexist. But nowadays, we see many films limited to a single opinion,” he said.“Freedom to express thoughts and ideas in any visual or artistic medium is essential for democracy. At times, we are left wondering whether we are preserving it adequately. Those in the arts must have the courage to create films that express all viewpoints,” he added.He also urged Kannada filmmakers to be bold in their creative choices. “We must create an atmosphere where every perspective finds space. Preserving that freedom is a shared responsibility towards art.”Composer and lyricist Hamsalekha, who was conferred the lifetime achievement award, echoed the minister’s views and said the global attention drawn by films such as ‘KGF’ and ‘Kantara’ places on stakeholders a duty to uphold democratic values.Quoting poet Da Ra Bendre’s line “Uttara Dhruvadim Dakshina Dhruvaku Chumbaka Gaaliyu Beesuthide” (magnetic winds are blowing from North Pole to South Pole), Hamsalekha said the success of southern cinema has caused cultural winds to blow from south to north India. He added that Karnataka’s legacy shaped by Basavanna requires the industry to act as a guardian of democracy.The film festival, inaugurated on Jan 30, recorded a footfall of over one lakh and drew about 11,000 delegates worldwide. A total of 248 feature films were screened at 13 screens in three venues.Festival ambassador Prakash Raj reiterated his criticism of the absence of Palestinian films at BIFFes. “No one has the right to reject the painful stories that people bring from their countries. The pain of society keeps growing as long as we remain silent,” he said.GFXAwards at BIFFes 2026■ Lifetime achievement: Hamsalekha■ Asian Cinema— Best film: Lost Land (Hara Vatan) — Japan, France, Malaysia, Germany— Second-best film: Shape of Momo — India— Third-best film: The Deepest Space in Us — Japan— Special jury mention: Republika ng Pipolipinas — Philippines■ Indian Cinema— Best film: Sabar Bonda (Cactus Pears) — Marathi— Second-best film: Moham (Desire) — Malayalam— Third-best film: Kaadu — Malayalam— Special jury mention: Sarkeet — Malayalam— FIPRESCI award: Gondhal — Marathi■ Kannada cinema— Best film: Vanya— Second-best film: Nam Saali— Third-best film: Raavana Rajyadalli Navadampathigalu— Special jury mentions: 4 by 4 and Mrigatrishna— NETPAC International jury award: Hakkigagi
