The countdown has started for the launch of the 08th edition of the Bangalore International Film Festival today at 5.90 PM in front of Vidhana Soudha in Bangalore. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will be presiding over the function, while Member of Parliament and well known actress Jaya Bachchan will be inaugurating the festival.

Apart from Jaya Bachchan, Dada Saheb Phalke award winner Gulzar, producer Ashok Amritraj, Sanjay Leela Bansali, Telugu actor Venkatesh and Aparna Sen will be participating in the inauguration ceremony. The inauguration ceremony will be followed by the opening film 'Thithi' at the same venue.

The regular screenings for the delegates will commence from January 29th. The screenings will be held at all 11 screens in the PVR Multiplex of Orion Mall along with four screens in Inox cinemas at the Mall of Mysore in Mysore. A total of 172 films from 50 countries will be showcased in the festival in various categories.

Actress and Rajya Sabha member Jaya Bachchan has said politicians to not to politicise the film industry and give freedom to film makers. Jaya Bachchan was talking after inaugurating the 08th edition of the Bangalore International Film Festival on Thursday night in front of the Vidhana Saoudha in Bangalore.

'It is very pleasing to hear the goverment supporting the film industry like this. It's a nice gesture on the part of the government. I request the government to give full freedom to the film makers and don't interfere in their creative work. Then we get expect some good products' said Jaya Bachchan.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Information Minister Roshan Baig, Ambarish, Shivarajakumar, KCA chief Rajendra Singh Babu, Producer Ashok Amritraj, Sanjay Leela Bansali, Telugu actor Venkatesh and Aparna Sen 

The 08th edition of the Bangalore International Film Festival is all set to be launched on the 28th of January in front of Vidhana Soudha in Bangalore. Well known actress Jaya Bachchan will be inaugurating the festival.

Apart from Jaya Bachchan, Dada Saheb Phalke award winner Gulzar, producer Ashok Amritraj, Sanjay Leela Bansali, Telugu actor Venkatesh and Aparna Sen will be participating in the inauguration ceremony. The cultural events include Dance recital by Shobana and Nirupama Rajendra.

After the inaugural ceremony, the regular screenings for the delegates will commence from January 29th. The screenings will be held at all 11 screens in the PVR Multiplex of Orion Mall along with four screens in Inox cinemas at the Mall of Mysore in Mysore. A total of 172 films from 50 countries will be showcased in the festival in various categories.