Over 300 Films Highlight Social Issues At Pune Short Film Festival
Over 300 Films Highlight Social Issues At Pune Short Film Festival
Pune, August 16, 2025: “Marathi is not just a language, it is culture. If we do not learn the language of the state we live in, we cannot truly understand its culture. Marathi must be learned and preserved,” said former Minister of State for Home Affairs Kripashankar Singh. He was speaking at the award distribution ceremony of the Short Film Festival held at the S.M. Joshi Socialist Foundation Hall in Pune on Thursday. The festival was jointly organised by Punit Balan Group and Payal Tiwari Bitiya Foundation to provide a platform for emerging filmmakers.
The event was attended by MP Rajni Patil, Punit Balan (Chairman, Punit Balan Group), Sangeeta Tiwari (Chairperson, Bitiya Foundation), actress Smita Gondkar, Krishna Kumar Goyal (Chairman, Kohinoor Group), Mukesh Sharma (former Additional Director, Doordarshan), and Meghraj Bhosale (President, All India Marathi Film Association), among other dignitaries.
Singh praised the festival, stating, “The short films showcased here carry powerful social messages. Such a festival should also be organised in Mumbai. It is commendable that the youth are spreading awareness through their work.”
MP Rajni Patil added, “These films are touching and eye-opening. The social initiatives by Punit Balan Group and Bitiya Foundation are noteworthy. We are planning to bring such a socially relevant festival to Delhi as well.” She also highlighted that Punit Balan Group celebrates Ganeshotsav inspired by Lokmanya Tilak.
Over 300 socially themed short films participated in the festival, with enthusiastic youth involvement forming its core strength. The films were judged by Sen Dabolkar, Zaheer Darbar, Vishal Gore, and Sachin Danai. The program was compered by Sandeep Patil, with Poonamit Tiwari delivering the vote of thanks.
Prize Winners:
- 1.5–3 minutes category: 1st – Sandesh Veer, 2nd – Arthav Shaligram, 3rd – Akshay Vaskar
- 3–4 minutes category: 1st – Tejas Patil, 2nd – Akshay Vaskar, 3rd – Akshay Bhandwalkar; Special – Shubham & Sanchi
- 5–7 minutes category: 1st – Swapnil Gaikwad, 2nd – Medha Gokhale, 3rd – Abhitabh Bhavar
- Reel category: 1st & 2nd – Venkatesh Sumbhe
- Special Mention: Akshay Vaskar, Avinash Pingale, Medha Gokhale, Anvay Nirgudkar
