Pune : Maharashtra govt to introduce a new film policy soon

Pune, January 19, 2024:

Government of Maharashtra is coming up with  an attractive film policy, it will support local film makers and provide them with many opportunities announced Avinash  Dhakane, Managing Director, Dadasaheb Phalke Film City Mumbai.

The 22nd edition of the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) was inaugurated at Ganesh Kala Krida Manch. Along with Dr Jabbar Patel, Director of the Festival and  Avinash Dhakane,Managing Director, Dadasaheb Phalke Film City Mumbai,

Francesca Amendola, Director of Italian Cultural Institute,  Ravi Gupta, secretary, Pune Film Foundation,

Markus Biechele, director, Goethe Institute Max Mueller Bhavan, Pune lit the lamp to inaugurate the festival.

Dhakane further added that the policy will be tabled in front of the cabinet soon. 

Dr. Patel informed  that this year PIFF recieved 1186 entries from 51 countries, out of which more than 140 films have been selected. While explaining the theme of the Festival ‘Cinema is Hope’, Dr Patel said, “Considering turmoil that is going around in world we thought that it is appropriate to say something about world peace. I thought cinema is a powerful medium to highlight what is happening around the world.”

PIFF also felicitated veteran radio announcer Ameen Sayani, director-actor Gautam Ghosh and famous dancer-actress Leela Gandhi with the ‘PIFF Distinguished Award’ for their contribution to Indian cinema. While music composer, singer and lyricist M. M. Kirwani was honoured with the ‘S. D. Burman award’, for his contribution in the field of music.

18 times National Award Winner Gautam Ghosh, called PIFF as One of the finest film festivals in India.

He praised the theme of the festival and said, “Cinema is indeed a medium of world peace and hope. I congratulate the organisers for selecting this theme. Even 100 years ago, D W Griffith had written that one day because of cinema, every man will become one and there will be no war,” said Ghosh. 

Ameen Sayani was felicitated at his residence by Sudhir Mungantiwar, Minister of Culture, Government of Maharashtra earlier due to his age and health.

Oscar winner M. M. Kirwani, after receiving the S D Burman award said,

” I believe that S D Burman was one of the best musicians in the world and it is an honor to receive the award named after him. I grew up listening to S D Burman’s music. His music was like a perfect marriage between melody and lyricism,” said Kirwani.

He also praised Maharashtrian music and sang ‘Toch Chandrama Nabhat’ composed by legendary music director Sudhir Phadke.  

On this occasion, an International Jury was announced by Dr Patel. The jury includes Petr Zelenka (Czech Republic – playwright and director), Shai Goldman (Israel – cinematographer and producer), Sudhir Mishra (India – film director and screenwriter), Manju Borah (India – film director and writer, Setareh Eskandari (Iran – Actress), Ümran Safter (Turkey – film director and producer), Sue Prado. (Philippines – Actress), Visakesa Chandrasekaram (Sri Lanka – Film director, writer, novelist, dramatist, songwriter). 

Dr Patel further added that PIFF was recognised by Cannes Film Festival as the only film festival in India that is extended to other cities.

He also added that PIFF has been extended to Mumbai, Chandrapur, Nagpur & Latur. The festival will travel after it is concluded in Pune. 

” In rural Maharashtra there was eagerness in understanding the aesthetics and technicalities of the world cinema. This has inspired several filmmakers from rural areas who have been winning awards at the Festival,” said Dr Patel.

PIFF is also set to travel to North America Marathi  Film Festival. Renowned Marathi film producer Abhijit Gholap will be the initiator of this Festival. It is expected to happen in July 2024. 

Satish Alekar, trustee of Pune Film Foundation

felicitated performers Sharvari Geminis & Nikita Moghe. They performed a cultural program as part of the opening ceremony. 

Marathi renowned artists Shreya Brigade, Suvrat Joshi compared the event.