24th Pune International Film Festival Concludes With Top Cinema And Music Honours

The 24th Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) concluded with a grand awards ceremony on 22 January 2026, celebrating outstanding achievements in global and Indian cinema as well as music. Organised by the Pune Film Foundation, the Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra, and Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari, PIFF ran from 15–22 January across multiple venues in the city, showcasing a diverse selection of films from around the world.

Addressing the festival’s contributions at the valedictory event, Prashant Sajnicker, Co-Managing Director of the Maharashtra Film, Stage and Cultural Development Corporation, highlighted PIFF’s significant role in enriching the region’s cultural landscape over the past 24 years and reiterated continued support from the state government for the festival’s growth.

In a night of accolades spanning international cinema and regional films, the prestigious Best International Film award was presented to The Elysian Field, directed by Pradip Kurbah, while the Best International Marathi Film award went to Bapya, earning widespread acclaim for its storytelling and cinematic craft.

Marathi cinema also shone in performance categories, with Girish Kulkarni and Rajshri Deshpande taking home top acting honours for their compelling roles in Bapya. Santosh Dawkhare was recognised as Best Director for Gondhal, further showcasing Marathi cinema’s strength and versatility at the festival.

The evening also celebrated contributions beyond filmmaking. Veteran actors Biswajit Chatterjee, Farida Jalal and Asha Kale were honoured with the PIFF Distinguished Award for their lifelong contributions to Indian cinema’s narrative and cultural legacy. Their recognition drew applause from fellow artists and cinephiles alike, acknowledging decades of impact on audiences nationwide.

Highlighting the symbiotic relationship between music and film, renowned violinist and composer Amar Haldipur received the S. D. Burman International Music Award, underscoring the festival’s commitment to honouring excellence in both cinematic and musical landscapes. Haldipur’s body of work, spanning film scoring and performance, has influenced generations of musicians and strengthened the role of music in Indian cinema.

The 2026 edition of PIFF also marked a celebration of diversity and international participation. Films from more than 100 countries were screened across ten different theatres in Pune, with a wide range of stories including world premieres, culturally rich narratives, and films tackling contemporary global themes. This international presence reaffirmed PIFF’s standing as a key platform for cross-cultural cinematic dialogue in India.

The festival opened earlier in the week with a focus on preserving the communal experience of cinema in an era dominated by digital consumption. Officials from the Department of Cultural Affairs emphasised the importance of collective film-going experiences for audiences and the continued support for events like PIFF that bridge traditional film culture with modern storytelling trends.

As PIFF 2026 drew to a close, filmmakers, actors and audiences celebrated a week of vibrant cinema, cultural exchange and artistic excellence — reaffirming Pune’s reputation as a vital hub for film appreciation and international creative collaboration.