The prestigious Karnataka Film Directors Association (KANFIDA) is gearing up slowly after a series of setbacks.
The 42-year-old KANFIDA, started by doyen director S.R. Puttanna Kanagal, is now in the hands of N.R.K. Vishwanath. It has worked studiously for the last one and a half years. Various committees have been set up to look into the problems, and the association is shaping up with the good news of a mega event soon.
N.R.K. Vishwanath (also a journalist), as President, addressed the media and outlined the upcoming work and financial status of the institution, which is growing strongly. On the Rs. 24 lakhs and Rs. 7.5 lakhs mismanagement by earlier heads of KANFIDA, he stated that a settlement has almost been reached. The two sites owned by KANFIDA during the tenure of Tiptur Raghu and Joe Simon are now in the custody of the association. “Soon, we will have a gala event to honor the national and state award winners,” he said.
Expressing unhappiness about the recent incident of a gala event going to waste, he noted, “We did not suffer any financial loss, but due to the interference of a few, it has sent the wrong message.”
On KANFIDA being neglected by the Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy, N.R.K. Vishwanath disclosed that the directors’ fraternity has decided to stage a dharna with black badges at the Bengaluru International Film Festival. “The BIFF was held on low budgets in the past, but now it is getting Rs. 9 crores of funds. Why is it necessary to spend so much?” he asked.
The Vice President of KANFIDA, Jagadish; Secretary David Sebastin; Vicharana Samiti Head J.G. Krishna; Samyojana Samiti Ramnath Rigvedi; Joint Secretary Malavalli Saikrishna; and Treasurer Chikkanna addressed the media on Wednesday afternoon at Sri Renukamba Digital Theater in Malleswaram, Bengaluru.
KANFIDA is also placing demands for Kalyana Nidhi, a place to function at the city center, housing for members, etc.
Nearly 50-plus new members have been inducted under the new regime of N.R.K. Vishwanath. There are now roughly 400-plus directors as members of KANFIDA.
