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How an Italian film about mercy killing became selected a PIFF’s inaugural show

In the film, the new euthanasia bill comes when the President is at the end of his tenure. At a time where he's keenly aware of his own mortality.

3 min readPuneJan 13, 2026 09:40 PM IST

PIFF features films that have been shortlisted for the Oscars and won many awards in other important film festivals, among other honours. (File Photo)

In six months, as his daughter reminds him, Mariano De Santis will no longer be the head of state. He has been an admirable President of Italy and his tenure is ending. But, he still has an unfinished duty. The euthanasia bill.
De Santis’ dilemma is great– “If I don’t sign it, I will be seen as a torturer. If I sign it, I will be seen as a murderer.”

His daughter puts it succinctly, “Signing the bill requires courage that you do not have.”

The President’s decision will be revealed to Pune cinema lovers on January 15 as the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) opens with the film, La Grazia. The selection committee has created an impressive bouquet of foreign and Indian films for the festival, with La Grazia, by Italian filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino, providing a layered curtain raiser. PIFF will be held between January 15 and 22.

“Anyone in the film circle, if asked about ‘who are the most important contemporary Italian directors today?’ will put Paolo Sorrentino at the top. He has been making films for quite a few years and won many awards at many festivals,” says Abhijeet Ranadive, creative Head of PIFF.

Ranadive adds that Sorrentino is known to make films which are meant to be enjoyed, in terms of the visual and audio qualities, while confronting complex issues. “His films look beautiful, apart from trying to say something important and substantial,” says Ranadive.

PIFF features films that have been shortlisted for the Oscars and won many awards in other important film festivals, among other honours. “It becomes very difficult to choose one film to be the opening film.

But when the selection committee saw La Grazia, they all veered towards it because of the universal subject. Although it is an Italian film and based on real characters and real incidents, it’s a topic that is very universal. It touches all of us,” says Ranadive.

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In the film, the new euthanasia bill comes when the President is at the end of his tenure. At a time where he’s keenly aware of his own mortality.

“The doctor says that they will do what they can to keep you alive, but is it really a life worth living? It’s these kinds of almost existential questions that he starts thinking about,” says Ranadive.

The selection committee felt that La Grazia was one of the films that must be watched on the big screen. “Italy is a beautiful country and they have very old buildings. All the government buildings and the architecture are a few centuries old. The existential questions unfold in long corridors and big buildings with the director using some extremely powerful close ups,” says Ranadive.

As PIFF aims to interest a new generation of film buffs, La Grazia becomes a vehicle to reach Gen Z and others. “They will be made aware that a film can be made on tough subjects. It is a serious subject, but it’s a very enjoyable film because it’s a very beautifully made film. It’s a very handsome film,” compliments Ranadive.

Dipanita Nath

Dipanita Nath is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in Pune. She is a versatile journalist with a deep interest in the intersection of culture, sustainability, and urban life. Professional Background Experience: Before joining The Indian Express, she worked with other major news organizations including Hindustan Times, The Times of India, and Mint. Core Specializations: She is widely recognized for her coverage of the climate crisis, theatre and performing arts, heritage conservation, and the startup ecosystem (often through her "Pune Inc" series). Storytelling Focus: Her work often unearths "hidden stories" of Pune—focusing on historical institutes, local traditions, and the personal journeys of social innovators. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Her recent reporting highlights Pune’s cultural pulse and the environmental challenges facing the city during the winter season: 1. Climate & Environment "Pune shivers on coldest morning of the season; minimum temperature plunges to 6.9°C" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the record-breaking cold wave in Pune and the IMD's forecast for the week. "How a heritage tree-mapping event at Ganeshkhind Garden highlights rising interest in Pune’s green legacy" (Dec 20, 2025): Covering a citizen-led initiative where Gen Z and millennials gathered to document and protect ancient trees at a Biodiversity Heritage Site. "Right to breathe: Landmark NGT order directs PMC to frame norms for pollution from construction sites" (Dec 8, 2025): Reporting on a significant legal victory for residents fighting dust and air pollution in urban neighborhoods like Baner. 2. "Hidden Stories" & Heritage "Inside Pune library that’s nourished minds of entrepreneurs for 17 years" (Dec 21, 2025): A feature on the Venture Center Library, detailing how a collection of 3,500 specialized books helps tech startups navigate the product life cycle. "Before he died, Ram Sutar gave Pune a lasting gift" (Dec 18, 2025): A tribute to the legendary sculptor Ram Sutar (creator of the Statue of Unity), focusing on his local works like the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue at Pune airport. "The Pune institute where MA Jinnah was once chief guest" (Dec 6, 2025): An archival exploration of the College of Agriculture, established in 1907, and its historical role in India's freedom struggle. 3. Arts, Theatre & "Pune Inc" "Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak were not rivals but close friends, says veteran filmmaker" (Dec 17, 2025): A deep-dive interview ahead of the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) exploring the camaraderie between legends of Indian cinema. "Meet the Pune entrepreneur helping women build and scale businesses" (Dec 16, 2025): Part of her "Pune Inc" series, profiling Nikita Vora’s efforts to empower female-led startups. "How women drone pilots in rural Maharashtra are cultivating a green habit" (Dec 12, 2025): Exploring how technology is being used by women in agriculture to reduce chemical use and labor. Signature Style Dipanita Nath is known for intellectual curiosity and a narrative-driven approach. Whether she is writing about a 110-year-old eatery or the intricacies of the climate crisis, she focuses on the human element and the historical context. Her columns are often a blend of reportage and cultural commentary, making them a staple for readers interested in the "soul" of Pune. X (Twitter): @dipanitanath ... Read More

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