Pimpri-Chinchwad International Film Festival | Enthusiastic response to films, short films, and documentaries on day one

Other notable screenings included Ganpati Tu Sarvottam, Bernard & Rasha: A Swiss-Indian Story, Poli, Manitha Subhavvam, Rehan Special, Martya, Badare, Kali, Devichandragupatham, and A Bohemian Artist.

The afternoon session featured Antar (Distance), Saar Roots of Healing, Roses Are, The Last Yug, Anant (Endless), Waat, Owaseshot – Lost in Pursuit, Agnipariksha, Bastar se Bazar Tak, and The Finish Line, which shed light on various social and emotional issues.

The evening session captivated the audience with films like Myambai – Permission to the Guardians of the Forest, Kasagi Kansina Kagada, Three Minus One, Slur, and Break the Silence, focusing on nature conservation, human struggle, tribal life, and social responsibility.

Three short films left a deep impact on the first day:

• Tapas poignantly depicts the healing journey of a young boy battling cancer through a blend of science and spirituality—a story of struggle, determination, and optimism.
• Malavazhi effectively showcases the cultural depth of human emotions through the folk beliefs, traditions, and rituals of Kerala.
• Lost Songs of Sundari sensitively brings forward the fading identity of the Koli community due to Mumbai’s urbanization, their bond with the sea, and the legendary symbol of ‘Sundari’.

Two 60-second ‘ultra-short’ films received heartfelt appreciation:

•  ‘A Half of Half-Hearted presents a humorous and satirical portrayal of disorder in Rio de Janeiro, where simple urban elements take on bizarre, unconventional forms.
•  When the Bell Rings captures the internal void and search for acceptance of a woman living in a secluded house near a forest.

A Global Cinematic Feast

The festival features a curated selection of 116 films from 43 countries. The subjects range from science vs. superstition, traditions, and social systems to environmental conservation, technological shifts, and disaster management. The festival also covers socially relevant themes such as women’s empowerment, youth leadership, mental health awareness, child rights, and global peace.

The festival continues from March 3 to 5, 2026, at the G.D. Madgulkar Auditorium. Entry to all screenings is completely free for the public. The PCMC has urged citizens to take full advantage of this golden opportunity to experience world-class cinema from various countries and languages in one place, stated a release.