Puducherry Film Festival Elevates to International Status for 2026 Edition
In a significant cultural development, the Puducherry Film Festival is undergoing a major transformation. Previously focused exclusively on South Indian cinema, the festival is now expanding its scope to become an international cinematic event. This strategic move aims to position the Union territory as a prominent global hub for film culture and industry engagement.
Official Launch and Festival Details
Chief Minister N Rangasamy officially unveiled the logo for the Puducherry Film Festival 2026 during a ceremony on Tuesday. The event witnessed the presence of several dignitaries including Public Works Minister K Lakshminarayanan, MLA K S P alias S Ramesh, District Collector A Kulothungan, and Secretary (Information) Muhammad Ahshan Abid.
The four-day international festival is scheduled to take place from February 12 to 15. The inaugural ceremony will be held on Beach Road on February 12, marking the beginning of what promises to be a landmark event in Puducherry's cultural calendar.
Prestigious Awards and Honorees
A central highlight of the festival will be the presentation of the esteemed "Nadagathanthai Sankaradass Swamigal Award," which recognizes exceptional achievement in film direction. The Puducherry government has announced that director Karthik Subburaj will receive the 2024 award for his work on the Tamil film Jigarthanda DoubleX.
Additionally, director Dinesh Selvaraj will be honored with the 2025 award for his film Kadal Kanni. Both award recipients will receive a formal citation along with a cash prize of ₹1 lakh. Following the awards ceremony, the festival will screen Natchathiram Nagargiradhu, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Pa Ranjith.
Celebrity Participation and Film Screenings
The festival will feature appearances by notable film personalities including actresses Revathi and Sunainaa, along with directors Pa Ranjith and Karthik Subbaraj. A diverse cinematic program will showcase 45 films across eight different languages, presented on six separate screens throughout Puducherry.
Key screening venues include:
- Kamarajar Manimandapam (Karuvadikuppam) - Hosting 35 regional films, including a special tribute to the late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Congress stalwart Kamarajar on February 13
- Alliance Française de Pondichéry - Dedicated exclusively to acclaimed international cinema
- Dr Abdul Kalam Science Centre & Planetarium - Featuring three children's films daily
Educational Initiatives and Special Exhibitions
The festival organizers have planned exclusive master classes designed to empower local youth and aspiring filmmakers. Renowned film editor A Sreekar Prasad will conduct a session on February 14, followed by veteran actor and director Nasser on February 15.
Additionally, the festival will host a special exhibition showcasing photographic collections of Sankaradass Swamigal alongside legendary directors Guru Dutt and Ritwik Ghatak. All screenings and events will be completely free of charge, with registration available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Strategic Vision for Puducherry's Film Industry
Chief Minister N Rangasamy emphasized the festival's broader objectives, stating, "Puducherry is already a favorite destination for filmmakers, with approximately 75 to 80 films shot here annually. By expanding this festival to an international level, we aim to provide our youth with a platform to learn global technical standards while celebrating the best of Indian and world cinema."
This international expansion represents a deliberate effort to leverage Puducherry's existing reputation as a filming location while creating new opportunities for cultural exchange, technical learning, and industry development. The festival's transformation signals Puducherry's ambition to become a significant player in the global cinematic landscape.
