Written by: Alister Augustine
4 min readPuneJan 15, 2026 01:01 PM IST
First published on: Jan 15, 2026 at 01:01 PM IST
Pune is all set to transform into a celebration of stories, cultures and cinema as the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) returns with its 24th edition from January 15 to 22, 2026. One of Maharashtra’s most important film festivals, PIFF continues to act as a bridge between Indian audiences and global cinema, bringing award-winning films, independent filmmakers and meaningful conversations to the city.
This year’s theme is the ‘Birth Centenary of the great producer, actor and director Guru Dutt’. As it is jointly organised by the Government of Maharashtra and the Pune Film Foundation, this year’s festival will unfold across 10 screens in Pune – six screens at PVR ICON, Pavilion Mall, three at E-Square on University Road, and one at the NFDC–NFAI campus on Law College Road. Around 140 films will be screened across different sections, making it a packed week for film lovers.
The theme for PIFF 2026 marks the birth centenary of legendary filmmaker Guru Dutt, celebrated as a producer, actor and director who shaped Indian cinema with classics like Pyaasa and Kaagaz Ke Phool. Several screenings and discussions during the festival will honour his legacy, making this edition both a tribute to cinema history and a showcase of contemporary storytelling.
Opening and Closing Films
The festival will open with La Grazia from Italy, directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino, well known for his visually rich and emotionally layered films. The closing film on January 22 will be Father Mother Sister Brother, a restrained family drama by American independent cinema icon Jim Jarmusch, co-produced by the USA, Ireland and France.
The closing film on January 22 will be Father Mother Sister Brother, a restrained family drama by American independent cinema icon Jim Jarmusch, co-produced by the USA, Ireland and France.
World Cinema Competition
PIFF received an overwhelming response this year and in the World Cinema Competition section with more than 900 submissions from 103 countries. From these, 14 films have been shortlisted for the final round. An international jury will judge the films and the winner will receive the Maharashtra Government’s Sant Tukaram Award for Excellence in International Cinema, carrying a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh.
The shortlisted films represent a wide geographical and thematic range,including A Sad and Beautiful World by Cyril Aris, Adam’s Sake by Laura Wandel, All That’s Left of You by Cherien Dabis, Rebuilding by Max Walker-Silverman, and The Elysian Field by Indian filmmaker Pradip Kubrah, among others.
Marathi competition and Regional Cinema
Marathi cinema continues to remain a strong focus at PIFF, as seven films will compete in the Marathi Competition section, with the winning film receiving the Sant Tukaram Award for Best International Marathi Film along with a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh. The festival will also feature a special section titled ‘Marathi Cinema Today’, highlighting contemporary regional films and emerging voices.
Apart from competition categories, the festival will showcase global cinema selections, offering audiences a chance to watch critically acclaimed international films that rarely reach commercial theatres. With nearly 140 films across all sections, viewers can explore everything from powerful dramas and documentaries to experimental storytelling.
Workshops and talks
PIFF is also hosting workshops, lectures and interactive sessions with filmmakers and industry professionals. Highlights include the Vijay Tendulkar Memorial Lecture by writer B. Jeyamohan, sessions on European and Iranian cinema and the ‘Voices of Tomorrow’ discussions with emerging Marathi filmmakers.
Passes for the festival are priced at Rs 800, while online registration has already begun on the official PIFF website. On the spot registrations are also available daily from 11 am to 7 pm at all festival venues.
One of Maharashtra’s most important film festivals, PIFF continues to act as a bridge between Indian audiences and global cinema, bringing award-winning films, independent filmmakers and meaningful conversations to the city. (Express Photo) 
The closing film on January 22 will be Father Mother Sister Brother, a restrained family drama by American independent cinema icon Jim Jarmusch, co-produced by the USA, Ireland and France.
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