Pune : The city of Pune is gearing up to host the 12th edition of the ‘Aarogya Film Festival,’ an initiative by the P.M. Shah Foundation, renowned for its impactful contribution to health awareness through the medium of cinema. Scheduled to take place at NFDC-National Film Archives of India, Law College Road, Pune, the two-day film festival promises a cinematic exploration of various health-related facets. Entry to the festival is free for all on a first-come, first-served basis.
Adv Chetan Gandhi, Festival Director, expressed the significance of film as a powerful medium to influence the youth and create awareness about health-related issues. “Health is one such aspect that needs maximum reach, and hence we have been organizing this distinctive film festival since 2010. As has been done over the years, this year as well, we hope to help create awareness on issues relating to health and hygiene.”
The opening ceremony, scheduled for Friday, 23rd February, will commence with the inauguration by Chief Guest Dr Abhijit Vaidya, National Chief Arogya Sena, and Founder Director of Smita Patil International Film Festival at 2 pm. The festival will feature short films and documentaries until 6 pm.
On the second day, the festival will screen films from 10 am to 4.30 pm, followed by the closing ceremony in the presence of Chief Guest Virendra Valsangkar, a renowned National Award-Winning Filmmaker. The top three films in the ‘Short Film’ and ‘Documentary’ categories will be honored during the closing ceremony with a memento and a certificate.
The festival, in its 12th edition, will showcase 40 films in two formats – short films and documentaries, covering a wide spectrum of health-related topics. Entries from across the globe, including India, Dubai, Australia, Germany, USA, Pakistan, Algeria, United Kingdom, Bangladesh, Sénégal, Philippines, France, Sultanate of Oman, England, and Iran, have been shortlisted by an eminent jury. The films, presented in different languages with English subtitles, aim to shed light on mental health, child health, child sexual abuse, women’s health issues, organ donation, cancer, public health, hygiene, disabilities, senior citizen’s health issues, and more.
