'Kannada film industry failed to utilise Intl film fest'

Bangalore, Jan 11 (UNI) The Kannada Film Industry has failed to utilise the platform provided during the second Bangalooru International Film Festival, eminent filmmaker and Festival Director Girish Kasaravali said.

Addressing a press conference here yesterday, he said ''the Kannada film industry has failed to take advantage of the visit of veteran directors from foreign countries by showcasing their films and attracting market for them.'' ''They might not have realised the benefits of such a festival yet,'' he said.

Mr Kasaravali said the festival evoked overwhelming response with over 75,000 people witnessing 150 films from 46 countries.

The workshops conducted on documentary making, during the festival, also evoked good response.

To a question, he said the Suchitra Film Society had evinced interest in holding film festivals in rural areas provided the state government came forward to provide the needed facilities.

Festival Chairperson V N Subba Rao said the films from Asia, Africa, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Vietnam and Morocco received tremendous response.

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