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The 24th Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) was inaugurated on January 15 at E-Square Theatre, Shivaji Nagar, Pune. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Kiran Kulkarni, Chief Secretary, Department of Cultural Affairs, Maharashtra, addressed the importance of preserving the culture of collective film viewing in an age dominated by technology, adding that the state government continues to support film festivals such as PIFF.
He said, “In the era of technological advancement, it is important to protect the culture of the collective viewing of cinema. Government of Maharashtra is committed to preserve this culture by supporting Film Festivals like PIFF.”Organised jointly by the Pune Film Foundation, the Department of Cultural Affairs (Government of Maharashtra), and Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari, PIFF 2026 will be held from January 15 to 22 across 10 screens in the city.
The festival will showcase 130 films from 103 countries.
Dignitaries present included Swati Mhase Patil, Managing Director, Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari; Prakash Makdum, Managing Director, NFDC; Dr Shivajirao Kadam, VC, Bharati Vidyapeeth; Dr Suresh Gosavi, VC, Savitribai Phule Pune University; Hemant Panchmiya, Director, E-Square; and PIFF Director Dr Jabbar Patel, who jointly inaugurated the festival by lighting the lamp.
In his key note address at the inauguration, Dr Jabbar Patel emphasised the importance of the festival and its support to the Marathi cinema. "Through PIFF's Marathi Competition several rural filmmakers have found a platform and recognition," he said. He further added that it has helped shape today's Marathi cinema.The festival theme this year marks the centenary of filmmaker Guru Dutt, with screenings of his landmark works including Pyaasa, alongside a tribute to Ritwik Ghatak. The festival also commemorates the 125th birth anniversary of V Shantaram. The opening day concluded with the screening of the Italian film La Grazia, directed by Paolo Sorrentino.
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