PIFF 2025: Opening Ceremony, Awards, and Films to Look Out For

The 23rd Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) will begin on February 13, 2025, with an official inauguration by Maharashtra’s Cultural Minister, Ashish Shelar. The event will be hosted at Shri Ganesh Kala Krida Rangmanch in Pune, marking the start of an exciting celebration of global and Indian cinema.

Festival Director Dr. Jabbar Patel, alongside other prominent figures, shared the details about the upcoming events, including the honorees and the films that will be featured.

Theme and Focus: Raj Kapoor's Centenary

This year, PIFF celebrates the centenary of legendary Indian filmmaker Raj Kapoor. The festival will honor his contributions to the world of cinema through a series of special events and screenings. As part of this tribute, the opening ceremony will focus on the grandeur and legacy of Kapoor's work.

Honorees at the Festival Inauguration

Shubha Khote: Iconic Actress

Veteran actress Shubha Khote, known for her roles in both Marathi and Hindi cinema, will be honored with the Peaf Distinguished Award for her long and remarkable career. Khote’s work in both character and comedic roles has left a lasting impact on Indian cinema.

Anupam Kher: Celebrated Actor

Anupam Kher, one of the most respected actors in the Indian film industry, will also receive the Peaf Distinguished Award. With over 540 films in his career, Kher’s versatility and dedication to the craft have earned him national and international recognition. His roles in films like A Wednesday! and The Kashmir Files have cemented his legacy.

Kavita Krishnamurthy: Playback Singer

Renowned playback singer Kavita Krishnamurthy will be presented with the S.D. Burman Award for her extraordinary contribution to Indian music. Having sung thousands of songs across multiple languages, Krishnamurthy’s powerful voice has become synonymous with timeless Bollywood music.

Exciting Films at PIFF 2025

Opening Film: Gloria (Italy, Switzerland)

The festival’s opening film will be Gloria, directed by Margherita Vicario. The film, which is set to captivate audiences, will set the stage for the rest of the festival’s screenings.

Closing Film: The Room Next Door (Spain)

The festival will conclude with the screening of The Room Next Door, directed by Pedro Almodovar, a film that is expected to create a significant impact on the audience as the festival winds down.

International Jury Members and Key Speakers

The international jury of the festival includes a stellar lineup of filmmakers and professionals from across the globe. Some of the members include Marco Bekis (Chile-Italy), Margariva Shiel (Portugal), Petri Kotvica (Finland), Taminhe Milani (Iran), and more.

Additionally, the festival will feature seminars and workshops from notable industry experts, including:

• Swati Mhase Patil (Film City MD) on February 14
• Famous documentary filmmakers like Umesh Kulkarni and Anupama Srinivasan will conduct workshops on February 15.
  
  

Special Lectures and Masterclasses

Throughout the festival, special lectures and masterclasses will offer deep insights into filmmaking:

• Vijay Tendulkar Memorial Lecture by Boman Irani on February 16
• Cinema and Soul: Tapan Sinha with Swapankumar Mallick and Gautam Ghosh on February 17
• Content Creation Through AI Films by Paco Torres on February 18
• Marathi Cinema Panel Discussion with Paresh Mokashi, Aditya Sorpotdar, Adinath Kothare, and Sunil Phadtare on February 19

These discussions will give attendees the opportunity to engage with some of the most prominent names in cinema and learn from their vast experience.

Festival Venues and Registration

The PIFF 2025 will be held from February 13 to 20 at three major venues in Pune:

• PVR Icon in Pavilion Mall (6 screens)
• Inox in Camp (3 screens)
• Cinepolis Cinema in Westend Mall (2 screens)

Ticket bookings are now open on the official PIFF website, with a catalog fee of Rs. 800 for those wishing to attend.

A Celebration of Global and Indian Cinema

The Pune International Film Festival 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience, with a perfect blend of classic and contemporary cinema. With star-studded awards, renowned filmmakers, and a diverse range of films, PIFF 2025 will undoubtedly stand as one of the year’s most anticipated cultural events.

Make sure to mark your calendars and stay tuned for more exciting updates as the festival approaches!