The 22nd edition of the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) is poised to captivate audiences as it unfolds from January 18 to 25, 2024. Dr. Jabbar Patel, the director of PIFF, announced this cinematic celebration in a press conference, revealing a lineup of over 140 films from 51 countries. The festival, organized jointly by the Pune Film Foundation and the Government of Maharashtra, promises a diverse and enriching cinematic experience.
Cinematic Extravaganza Details:
- Dates: January 18 to 25, 2024
- Venue: PVR Icon, Inox, and Cinepolis cinema across Pune
Theme: ‘Cinema is a Hope’:
The theme of this year’s film festival is ‘Cinema is a Hope,’ symbolizing the enduring power of cinema to inspire and uplift. The theme’s symbol was also unveiled during the announcement, setting the tone for a festival that aims to be a beacon of optimism.
Expanded Screening Spaces:
Dr. Jabbar Patel shared that considering the positive response from the previous year, two additional screens have been added this year to accommodate a larger audience. The festival will take place on 11 screens at PVR Icon, Inox, and Cinepolis cinema.
Film Selection and Registration:
This year, PIFF received entries from 1,186 films representing 68 countries. Over 140 films have been carefully selected for the festival. The online registration process begins on December 23, 2023, on the official website www.piffindia.com, and spot registration at theaters commences from January 5, 2024. The registration fee for the entire festival is a nominal Rs. 800 for everyone.
World Competition Highlights:
The festival’s World Competition category features a diverse selection of films from around the globe, showcasing the rich tapestry of international cinema. Notable entries include:
- A Sensitive Person (Director: Tomáš Klein, Czech Republic, Slovak Republic)
- Blaga’s Lessons (Director: Stephan Komandarev, Bulgaria, Germany)
- Citizen Saint (Director: Tinatin Kajrishvili, Georgia, Bulgaria, France)
- Fly On (Director: Takuya Kato, Japan, France)
- Here (Director: Bas Devos, Belgium)
- Oceans Are The Real Continents (Director: Tommaso Santambrogio, Cuba, Italy)
- Puan (Director: María Alché, Benjamín Naishtat, Argentina, Italy, France, Germany, Brazil)
- Schlamassel (Director: Sylke Enders, Germany)
- Terrestrial Verses (Director: Alireza Khatami, Ali Asgari, Iran)
- The Burdened (Director: Amr Gamal, Yemen, Sudan, Saudi Arabia)
- The Dreamer (Director: Anaïs Tellenne, France)
- The Sentence (Director: Fazil Razak, India)
- Toll (Director: Carolina Markowicz, Brazil, Portugal)
- Tomorrow is a Long Time (Director: Jow Zhi Wei, Singapore, Taiwan, France, Portugal)
The festival promises a week of cinematic brilliance, cultural exchange, and a celebration of the diverse narratives that enrich the world of film.
