The cultural calendar of Pune is set to be illuminated as the city prepares to host the 24th edition of the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF). The prestigious event will unfold from January 15 to January 22, 2025, promising a rich tapestry of cinema with a pronounced focus on Marathi films and tributes to veteran artists.
A Celebration of Cinematic Legends
Organised by the Pune Film Foundation in collaboration with the Department of Cultural Affairs (Government of Maharashtra) and Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari, Mumbai, the festival will confer top honours on iconic figures. Festival president and director Jabbar Patel announced that the esteemed 'PIFF Distinguished Award' will be presented to stalwarts Biswajit Chatterjee and Farida Jalal for their monumental contributions to Indian cinema. Furthermore, renowned composer and violinist Amar Haldipur will be felicitated with the SD Burman International Award for music.
Marathi Cinema Takes Center Stage
True to its roots, PIFF 2025 will heavily showcase Marathi cinema through competitive and curated sections. The Marathi film competition, to be judged by an international jury, will feature seven compelling titles:
- Adishesh by Ramesh More
- Toh Ti Ani Fuji by Mohit Takalkar
- Tighee by Jeejivisha Kale
- Jeev by Ravindra Manik Jadhav
- Gondhal by Santosh Dawkhar
- Gaman by Manoj Naiksatam
- Bappya by Sameer Tewari
A parallel section, titled 'Marathi Cinema Today', will screen four additional films: Sohla by Saikaat Bagbaan, Mukkampost Bombilwadi by Paresh Mokashi, Maya by Aditya Ingale, and Dwidha by Nilesh Bhaskar Naik.
Venue and Inauguration
The festival will kick off with a grand opening ceremony at the popular E-Square multiplex on Ganeshkhind Road in Pune. This edition continues PIFF's legacy of being a crucial platform for regional cinema while celebrating the pan-Indian film heritage, bringing together cinephiles, filmmakers, and artists in the heart of Maharashtra.
