As OTT platforms continue to dominate content consumption, eminent jury members at the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) underlined that the relevance of film festivals has grown stronger than ever. According to the panel, film festivals remain unmatched platforms for discovering diverse cultures, fresh storytelling voices, and authentic cinematic expression.
The PIFF jury interaction brought together globally recognised film personalities from different creative backgrounds. The panel included Tamil writer B. Jayamohan, Slovak documentary filmmaker Peter Kerekes, Turkish director Yesim Ustaoglu, Finnish filmmaker Riitta Alto, Spanish director Sergi Casamitjana, and Tamil filmmaker Seenu Ramasamy.
Peter Kerekes pointed out that OTT algorithms often limit viewers to similar content patterns. In contrast, film festivals introduce audiences to films they may never encounter otherwise. He stressed that meaningful engagement with cinema requires experiencing film festivals. While acknowledging the role of technology, he cautioned against overdependence on artificial intelligence in filmmaking. He said that true creativity must remain rooted in human emotions and cultural identity, adding that no technology can replace the emotional depth of storytelling in one’s mother tongue.
Riitta Alto highlighted the irreplaceable value of watching films on the big screen. She said the collective viewing experience, where audiences react together, creates an emotional impact that cannot be recreated on personal devices.
B. Jayamohan emphasised that film festivals are essential for experiencing originality in cinema. He encouraged young filmmakers to deepen their understanding of literature, history, and philosophy. According to him, powerful cinema is shaped by life experiences rather than by imitating existing films.
Spanish filmmaker Sergi Casamitjana said festivals help reshape audience tastes and broaden creative perspectives. He urged emerging directors to remain faithful to their own ideas and present their unique vision through festival platforms instead of following trends.
Seenu Ramasamy praised the strong audience participation at PIFF and expressed concern over repetitive and negative OTT content. He suggested that state governments should develop independent OTT platforms and film archives to support regional cinema. He also highlighted the experimental spirit and honesty of Marathi cinema, noting cultural similarities between Maharashtra and South India.
Together, the jury members agreed that while digital platforms offer convenience, film festivals continue to play a vital role in preserving artistic integrity and meaningful cinematic experiences.
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