The 23rd Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) is set to kick off from January 16 to January 23, 2025, and this year, Marathi filmmakers have a new opportunity to showcase their work. In a first for the festival, Marathi films that have not yet obtained censor certificates will be allowed to compete in the global Marathi film competition, giving filmmakers a chance to shine on an international platform without delays.
To be eligible, Marathi films must have been produced, censored, or submitted for censor certification between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024. The submission deadline is November 30, 2024, giving filmmakers ample time to prepare and submit their entries.
Deputy Director of PIFF, Vishal Shinde, highlighted that this change will encourage more filmmakers to participate, especially those who may have been held back by the censoring process. An esteemed international jury will evaluate the shortlisted Marathi films, with the winner receiving the prestigious ‘Sant Tukaram Best International Marathi Film’ award along with a cash prize of ₹5 lakhs sponsored by the Maharashtra Government.
In addition, the All-India Marathi Film Corporation will present awards for Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Screenplay, and Best Cinematographer, each receiving a cash prize of ₹25,000. The winners will be honored at the closing ceremony of PIFF 2025.
For filmmakers interested in submitting films without censor certification, detailed guidelines are available on the official PIFF website, www.piffindia.com, ensuring that creative freedom is supported and artistic work is not hindered by administrative delays.
Overall, the 23rd edition of PIFF promises to be an inclusive and exciting event for Marathi filmmakers, promoting diversity, creativity, and the global reach of Marathi cinema.
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