Pune International Film Festival 2010

About PIFF

Pune International Film Festival — History

Pune is among the fastest growing cosmopolitans in India today. The presence of the highly-regarded FTII (Film and Television Institute of India) has allowed Pune to be at the nerve centre of creating fresh talent for the film industry. The presence of the FTII also fits in with Pune’s overall standing of being an educational city and the “Oxford of the East”. Completing the film connection of the city is the presence of the historic and well-stocked National Film Archive of India is also situated in Pune.

Pune has a history of being at the forefront of cinema. This standing has been further bolstered with the growth of multiplexes in and around the city that now cater to the film lovers of the city. Given the multi-cultural mix of population with varied interests, Pune provides an ideal base for an International Film Festival.

The Pune International Film Festival was launched in pursuit of bringing the “best in celluloid” to the audiences of Pune in 2002 with it’s first truly “International Film Festival”. It has been evolving as a major annual event.

With six editions already done, 2009, the 7th edition promises more variety, more movies and greater insight and entertainment into the international cinematic world. We hope you are a part of this journey.

PIFF 2002:

The first Pune International Film Festival was a great success; 1800 delegates were enrolled to experience this international festival. More than 50 pictures were screened from 8 countries. A great director “Mrinal Sen” & a legendary actor “Dilip Kumar” were awarded the Lifetime Achievement award for their outstanding contributions, in the field of Indian cinema.

The Inaugural films that received wide acclaim at the festival was, “Grill Point” (German) – (Silver Bear and Special Jury Award Berlinale 2002) the film was presented by its director Andre Dresen, “Taking Sides” (Hungarian), Rain “The Son’s Room” & others received serious attention from the audience.

PIFF 2003:

The Pune International Film Festival that was held in 2003 had more than 80 pictures, from 10 countries. The opening film was “No Man’s Land” (which won the Oscar for the Best Foreign Film) – a war film from Bosnia-Heerzegovina and the closing film was “Warriors of the Heaven and Earth” (A Japanese classic, with film theme composed by Mr. A.R.Rehman, India) In second Pune International Film Festival the Lifetime Achievement awards were given to “Smt. Lata Mangeshkar” – the Nightingale of India and “Dev Anand” one of the greatest Hindi Film Star ever produced.

PIFF 2005:

The PIFF came back with renewed vigour and enthusiasm in 2005 with more than 95 pictures, from 14 countries. The festival was Inaugurated by His Excellency S. M. Krishna, Governor of Maharashtra, His Excellency Dominique Girard, Ambassador of France.

Smt. Waheeda Rehman and Shri Shakti Samanta were presented with the Lifetime Achievement by Shri Jaipal Reddy Hon. Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Government of India.

Some Oscar contenders were screened at this festival like – South Africa’s – Yesterday, Afghanistan’s – Earth & Ashes, and India’s – Shwaas. “Yesterday” won the Award for Best Film and the Best Director went to Josue Mendez for the film “Dias de Santiago” (Days of Santiago) Peru.

Special Jury Award for the Best Film went to “Earth and Ashes, Afghanistan/France, the Best Cinematographer Award was won by Mr. Yang Wei for the film “Endless Way” China, and the Best Actor award went to Mr. Arun Nalavade and Master Ashwin Chitale for the film “Shwaas”, India.

The International Jury comprised of : Chairman of the Jury – Mr. Milton Shefter (LA, USA), Jury members Mr. Ramses Marzouk (Cinematographer Egypt), Dan Wolman (Director – Israel), Ms. Pouran Derakshandeh ( Director – Iran).

International Film Personalities who attended P.I.F.F. 2005

Directors

Lawrence David Foldes (USA) – Director of the Movie “Finding Home”
Mark Meily (Philippines) – Director of the Movie – “Crying Ladies”
Denis Bovin – Director of the Movie “Hold on to your Hat”

Actors

Nida Wakim – (Lebanon) – Movie – Ring of Fire, Joel Nunez (USA) – Movie – Finally the Sea.

Producer

Victoria Paige Meyerink (USA) – Movie – Finding Home

Major highlights of PIFF 2005:

1. Competitive Section World Cinema
2. Tribute to: Marlon Brando, Mehmood
3. Country Focus: France
4. Retrospective: Gurudutt, Hitchcock
5. Shakespeare in Cinema
6. Young Directors: French Films
7. Indian Panorama
8. Workshop on “Independent Directors & Film Making in the US
9. The festival contributed towards the cause of Tsunami relief in its own special way at the Grand Closing Ceremony which included the world premier of “KISNA” to raise Funds for Tsunami Victims.

PIFF 2006- New Additions

1. PIFF is the only International Film Festival in India to hold a World Competition
2. 1st time in India- Awards are being given in the World Cinema section
3. An international jury judges world Competition entries.
4. 175 shows at 6 screens at different venues
5. More than 5000 viewers
6. Press Meetings with international directors, actors, critics
7. Gala ceremonies
8. Gala Ceremonies in the presence of Film Stars and Celebrities
9. Inaugural ceremony at Shri Ganesh Kala Krida Rangmanch (which is the largest auditorium with Dolby sound system in Asia)
10. Screening of Inaugural film followed by dinner.
11. Life Time Achievement Awards
12. Yash Chopra
13. Vyjayantimala
14. Awards
15. Maharashtra Government Prabhat International Award for The Best Film- “L’enfant- The Child”
16. Maharashtra Government Prabhat International Award for The Best Director- Jean- Pierre & Lucdardenne for the film L’enfant- The Child
17. Best Actor (Male) Award – Jeremie Renier for the film L’enfant- The Child
18. Best Actor (Female) Award- Krystynafeldman for the film Moj Nikifor- My Nikifor
19. Sant Tukaram- Govt. of Maharashtra Best International Marathi Film Award- Dombivli- Fast
20. Inauguration Film- Japanese Story/ Australia

PIFF 2007

1. More than 200 shows at 7 screens at different venues
2. Press Meetings with international directors, actors, critics
3. Gala ceremonies
4. Gala Ceremonies in the presence of Film Stars and Celebrities
5. Inaugural ceremony at E-Square