Pune is among the fastest growing cosmopolitans in India today. Its all-round growth has made it an attractive global destination for many segments. Because of the highly reputed FTII (Film and Television Institute of India), Pune is also a hotbed of filmdom that has consistently created fresh talent for all genres of the film industry. The presence of the FTII also fits in well with Pune’s overall personality of being the “Oxford of the East”.
Completing the film connection of the city is also the historic and well-stocked National Film Archive of India. Typically like a growing cosmopolitan, Pune has seen it all. From, the now nostalgic theatres to sprawling expanses of multiplexes and crowded shops to the numerous malls, the evolution of this multi-hued city has been spectacular. For the film buffs of the city and India, Pune enjoys significance. On occasions pertaining to the industry, stars from all the verticals descend on this city. With a multi-cultural blend of population with varied interests, Pune provides an ideal platform for an International Film Festival. The Pune International Film Festival was launched in 2002, with an idea of attracting the best in celluloid to Pune. The first “International Film Festival” received a response brimming with success. Slowly, event by event, PIFF has evolved into a major annual event. Film is a highly universal medium that cuts across nationalities connecting diverse peoples. The Pune International Film Festival aspires to be amongst the leaders in bringing some of the best films from across the world to India. In addition to screening films we would also like to be the platform for discussions, net-working, film events and workshops and of course world-class competitions. We would like to be a part of the universal creative exchange of ideas and forge collaboration with other film entities across the world. With its worthy partners and innovative initiatives in place, the Pune International Film Festival is all set to be India’s window to the world. PIFF will hold competitions for diverse segments with attractive cash prizes. Firstly this is the ONLY film festival in India that has instituted cash awards for international cinema. Secondly, the Sant Tukaram Award for Marathi (regional) films is an idea that has been pioneered by Government of Maharashtra and has since been followed by the other states as good practice. PIFF also honours luminaries of the film world by presenting the prestigious Life Time Achievement Awards for their outstanding contribution to Indian cinema. The festival, like all its past editions, will bring forth the multi-hued film talent, celebrate cinema and most importantly present a common platform for the world of film art.