Media Archive
Media Archive
Media Archive
In the press
Talks & Q&A
Audience
Cinema Trance
What People Say…
"For many years now, the Bangalore Film Forum has quietly played an important role in sustaining a culture of serious film viewing outside the mainstream. At a time when independent films often struggle to find screens or audiences, their effort to create a space where such films can be watched, discussed, and valued is deeply meaningful.
Much of this work has been carried forward through the dedication of Vinayak Bhat, whose commitment to cinema goes far beyond programming. Organizing these screenings is never easy. It involves constant coordination, persistence, and a willingness to take on difficulties that most people would simply avoid. Yet he and the forum continue to do it out of a genuine love for cinema and for the community that grows around it.
A while ago, I had the good fortune of curating a small selection of independent films for the forum. What struck me most was the seriousness with which the audience engaged with the films. There was a sense that people had come there not merely to watch something, but to experience cinema together, to listen, reflect, and converse.
Initiatives like the Bangalore Film Forum remind us that cinema is not only an industry, but also a shared artistic and intellectual space. I am grateful for the work they continue to do and for the care with which they nurture independent voices."
Don Palathara
Filmmaker
"What makes their curation stand out is the balance they strike — from world cinema to independent voices from across the country, they make sure we're exposed to a rich and diverse range of films. There's a clear sense of dedication and discipline in the way they do what they do — and it shows.
It’s been an absolute pleasure to also screen my own film there. I truly hope this beautiful initiative grows into a full-fledged festival in the coming years. Spaces like this are essential — not just for film lovers, but for the cultural life of a city.
Never missing out on a chance to watch their curated films — nor to show my own."
Himadri Mahesh
Filmmaker
"A virtual camera obscura, the Bangalore Film Club is a portal into the world of films curated by an individual passionate about films, fascinated by the process of film-making and intent upon sharing this interest with others. Vinayak Bhat introduces us to an eclectic and wide range of films he loves or finds interesting. The discussion that follows is equally energising, tapping into Vinayak’s natural curiousity about audience response, making it lively, thoughtful, informative, and fun! We earlier went to BFC screenings because they were close by, but now go wherever it is, because of the uniqueness of the experience."
Aunohita Mojumdar
journalist and writer
"For many years now, the Bangalore Film Forum has quietly played an important role in sustaining a culture of serious film viewing outside the mainstream. At a time when independent films often struggle to find screens or audiences, their effort to create a space where such films can be watched, discussed, and valued is deeply meaningful.
Much of this work has been carried forward through the dedication of Vinayak Bhat, whose commitment to cinema goes far beyond programming. Organizing these screenings is never easy. It involves constant coordination, persistence, and a willingness to take on difficulties that most people would simply avoid. Yet he and the forum continue to do it out of a genuine love for cinema and for the community that grows around it.
A while ago, I had the good fortune of curating a small selection of independent films for the forum. What struck me most was the seriousness with which the audience engaged with the films. There was a sense that people had come there not merely to watch something, but to experience cinema together, to listen, reflect, and converse.
Initiatives like the Bangalore Film Forum remind us that cinema is not only an industry, but also a shared artistic and intellectual space. I am grateful for the work they continue to do and for the care with which they nurture independent voices."
Don Palathara
Filmmaker
"What makes their curation stand out is the balance they strike — from world cinema to independent voices from across the country, they make sure we're exposed to a rich and diverse range of films. There's a clear sense of dedication and discipline in the way they do what they do — and it shows.
It’s been an absolute pleasure to also screen my own film there. I truly hope this beautiful initiative grows into a full-fledged festival in the coming years. Spaces like this are essential — not just for film lovers, but for the cultural life of a city.
Never missing out on a chance to watch their curated films — nor to show my own."
Himadri Mahesh
Filmmaker
"I remember the screening of my debut film “Jhini Bini Chadariya” at the Bangalore Film Forum. The interaction with the audience and the Q&A session were truly the highlights for me. Vinayak had some very houghtful questions for both me and the crew, which made the discussion even more engaging.
Thank you Bangalore film forum for all the support and for creating such a warm, reflective space for screening and discussion."
Ritesh Sharma
Filmmaker
"I travel over 20kms to attend since I stay on the other side of the city. I love bff because I'm very much interested in niche and the screenings are exactly what I'm looking for and crowd of film buffs make the evening always a splendid time."
Jestin
IT Professional
"Our experience with Bangalore film forum has been incredible, both as a filmmaker and as a film viewer as well. It was without a doubt one of the best screenings we have had. Vinayak has built a community and a space for films of film lovers that is deeply interested in discovering and new experiences. Would love to come back with all our future work. It's a genuine privilage."
Jyotsana
Filmmaker
"Screening my film at Bangalore Film Forum was an incredibly rewarding experience. It was a great platform to showcase our work to a diverse crowd and was nice to see myself and my crew to be recognized as artists. I also want to mention Bangalore Film Forum’s dedication to building community and conversation around independent cinema. A supportive and inspiring space I am honored to be a part of."
Cyril Abraham Dennis
Filmmaker
"A virtual camera obscura, the Bangalore Film Club is a portal into the world of films curated by an individual passionate about films, fascinated by the process of film-making and intent upon sharing this interest with others. Vinayak Bhat introduces us to an eclectic and wide range of films he loves or finds interesting. The discussion that follows is equally energising, tapping into Vinayak’s natural curiousity about audience response, making it lively, thoughtful, informative, and fun! We earlier went to BFC screenings because they were close by, but now go wherever it is, because of the uniqueness of the experience."
Aunohita Mojumdar
journalist and writer
"For me, the Bangalore Film Forum has been a stellar public institution. They screen great movies which I otherwise might never watch as an amateur movie enthusiast. The discussions that they curate after the movies shed light onto many angles and perspectives, educating the attendees about the cinema world across time and geographies.
I feel thankful to the team for creating this welcoming space in the city and hope they continue thriving and inspiring other such institutions in our city."
Aditya
IT Professional + BFF Regular
"Vinayak Bhat's BFF is well-known for its arthouse curation in the city and it is growing big day by day. BFF provides a vital platform for absolute newcomers, and fiercely low budget independent projects. BFF also curate established but rare films across the world. This platform is uniquely democratic and vibrant for all kinds of film buffs especially will be remembered for the celebration of honest and urgent filmmaking outside the mainstream."
Sayantan Acharya