INDIA: The Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFES 2025), in collaboration with the Polish Institute and the Austrian Cultural Forum, delivered an extraordinary cinematic experience that celebrated the educational power of film. The festival featured a full-fledged retrospective on the legendary Polish filmmaker Krzysztof Kieslowski alongside two remarkable Austrian films, reinforcing cinema’s role as a profound learning tool.
Honoring Kieslowski’s Legacy
The Kieslowski retrospective, introduced by the renowned Indian film critic Murtaza Ali Khan, showcased seven of the auteur’s greatest masterpieces, including the revered Three Colors trilogy (Blue, White, Red), Camera Buff (Amator), The Double Life of Veronique, and two parts of Dekalog. The retrospective opened with a screening of Three Colors: Blue to a packed theatre, receiving an overwhelmingly positive response from cinephiles. N Vidyashankar, Artistic Director of the Bengaluru International Film Festival, emphasized the importance of retrospectives in celebrating cinematic legacies and deepening audiences’ understanding of film history.
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Kieslowski’s impact on global cinema remains unparalleled. Emerging from Poland’s politically charged cinematic landscape of the 1970s and ‘80s, he mastered the art of crafting deeply personal narratives that transcended borders. His films are not just stories but existential inquiries wrapped in visually stunning frames, underscored by the hauntingly beautiful compositions of Zbigniew Preisner.
Highlighting Poland’s rich cinematic tradition, Malgorzata Wejsis-Gołębiak, Director of the Polish Institute, remarked, “We are honored to bring a full-fledged retrospective of Krzysztof Kieslowski to BIFFES 2025, celebrating one of Poland’s most visionary filmmakers. Kieslowski’s cinema transcends borders, weaving profound philosophical and humanistic themes into deeply personal narratives. Showcasing his masterpieces at BIFFES is a tribute to his enduring influence on world cinema and a testament to the cultural bridge between Poland and India.”
Austria’s Contribution to Cinematic Learning
Complementing the Polish retrospective was a significant Austrian contribution. Michael Pal, Director of the Austrian Cultural Forum, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are happy to continue our collaboration with BIFFES. As the Austrian Cultural Forum in New Delhi, we firmly believe in the educational power of cinema. Films have the unique ability to connect cultures, build bridges, and open up new perspectives for many people. Through our partnership with BIFFES, we aim to showcase Austrian filmmaking in India while highlighting the importance of cinema as a tool for education.”
Two Austrian films were featured at BIFFES 2025, offering audiences a unique and enriching experience. Rickerl tells the story of a struggling pub musician striving to succeed with his emotional songs while navigating the challenges of being a loving father. The film explores themes of perseverance, self-doubt, and familial bonds. Meanwhile, Sleeping with a Tiger is a hybrid film about Austrian painter Maria Lassnig, exploring her struggles in the male-dominated art world and her journey toward artistic self-expression. Lassnig’s internal pain manifests in her artwork, and her portrayal in the film defies conventional biopic tropes, with the same actress playing Lassnig at all ages, symbolizing her timeless spirit and the agelessness of the soul.
A Rare Theatrical Experience
What makes this retrospective and showcase an unmissable event is the sheer rarity of experiencing these films on the big screen. In an age dominated by digital streaming, watching these films in a theatrical setting—with their mesmerizing compositions, intricate lighting, and evocative soundscapes—is an entirely different, almost sacred experience. The meticulously restored prints brought out the nuances of the cinematography, allowing audiences to immerse themselves fully in these worlds of quiet revelations and poetic melancholia.
For young filmmakers and students attending BIFFES, this retrospective and Austrian showcase provided a masterclass in visual storytelling. Decades after his passing, Kieslowski’s films remain more relevant than ever. They exemplify how cinema can transcend mere storytelling and become a deeply personal, almost spiritual experience. His narratives—steeped in ambiguity yet profoundly affecting—remind us of the invisible threads that connect us all. Meanwhile, Sleeping with a Tiger and Rickerl offered a refreshing perspective on artistic resilience and creative expression.
With a resounding success at BIFFES 2025, the retrospective and Austrian showcase reaffirmed cinema’s power not just as entertainment but as a medium of profound artistic and educational significance.
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