Pune is the fastest growing cosmopolitan in the country today. The presence of FTII (Film and Television Institute of India) for a very long time has generated an unparalleled “intellect” Cinema audience base. Pune has a very large influx of foreign students, professionals, researchers etc. They come from all parts of the world and they are integral part of the strong society structure of Pune. The education capital of India-Pune, also draws students from all disciplines across the country and around the World. The National Film Archive of India is also situated in Pune. |
The availability of a world-class movie watching experience through the newly built Multiplexes has also been responsible for triggering a new passion for cinema enthusiasts in the city. Also given the multi cultural mix of population with varied interests, Pune provides for an ideal base for an International Film Festival. |
Keeping in mind these things, the Pune International Film Festival launched its pursuit to bring the best in “celluloid” to the vast audience of Pune in 2002 with it’s first “International Film Festival”. It has been evolving as a major annual event. |
What we have here for you is a glimpse of the history of this festival |
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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). |
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International Film Personalities who attended P.I.F.F. 2005 |
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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: |
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Competitive Section World Cinema |
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Tribute to: Marlon Brando, Mehmood |
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Country Focus: France |
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Genre: Thriller Cinema |
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Retrospective: Gurudutt, Hitchcock |
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Shakespeare in Cinema |
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Young Directors: French Films |
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Indian Panorama |
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Workshop on “Independent Directors & Film Making in the US |
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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. |
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PIFF 2006- New Additions |
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PIFF is the only International Film Festival in India to hold a World Competition |
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1st time in India- Awards are being given in the World Cinema section |
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An international jury judges world Competition entries. |
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175 shows at 6 screens at different venues |
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More than 5000 viewers |
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Press Meetings with international directors, actors, critics |
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Gala ceremonies |
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Gala Ceremonies in the presence of Film Stars and Celebrities |
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Inaugural ceremony at Shri Ganesh Kala Krida Rangmanch (which is the largest auditorium with Dolby sound system in Asia) |
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Screening of Inaugural film followed by dinner. |
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Life Time Achievement Awards- |
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Yash Chopra |
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Vyjayantimala |
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Awards- |
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Maharashtra Government Prabhat International Award for The Best Film- “L’enfant- The Child” |
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Maharashtra Government Prabhat International Award for The Best Director- Jean- Pierre & Lucdardenne for the film L’enfant- The Child |
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Best Actor (Male) Award – Jeremie Renier for the film L’enfant- The Child |
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Best Actor (Female) Award- Krystynafeldman for the film Moj Nikifor- My Nikifor |
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Sant Tukaram- Govt. of Maharashtra Best International Marathi Film Award- Dombivli- Fast |
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Inauguration Film- Japanese Story/ Australia |
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PIFF 2007 |
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More than 200 shows at 7 screens at different venues |
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Press Meetings with international directors, actors, critics |
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Gala ceremonies |
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Gala Ceremonies in the presence of Film Stars and Celebrities |
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Inaugural ceremony at E-Square |
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Inaugural Film “Volver”- Oscar Winning movie |
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Screening of Inaugural film followed by dinner. |
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Life Time Achievement Awards- |
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Asha Parekh |
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Dharmendra |
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Awards- |
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Maharashtra Government Prabhat International Award for The Best Film- “The Old Barbar” |
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Maharashtra Government Prabhat International Award for The Best Director- “Mr. Costa Gavras” for the film- The Axe |
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Best Actor (Male) Award - “Jose Garcia” for the film The Axe |
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Best Actor (Female) Award- “Jingchu Zhang” for the film The Road |
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Sant Tukaram- Govt. of Maharashtra Best International Marathi Film Award- “Shevri- Wisp of Cotton” |
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Special Jury Award
The special jury award goes to the Film “The Road” directed by Zhang Jiarui for the sensitive portrayal of a character’s personal and historical journey from innocence to acceptance of life in its totality |
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