The 24th Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) is set to conclude with a grand closing ceremony on Thursday, 22 January, at Balgandharva Rangmandir, marking the end of eight days of cinematic celebration. The event, scheduled to begin at 5 pm, will be attended by Maharashtra’s Minister for Cultural Affairs, Ashish Shelar, along with leading figures from the Indian and international film community.
Dr Jabbar Patel, President and Festival Director of PIFF, confirmed that the closing ceremony will feature several prestigious honours recognising outstanding contributions to cinema and music. Veteran actors Biswajit Chatterjee, Farida Jalal, and Asha Kale will receive the PIFF Distinguished Award for their enduring impact on Indian cinema. Renowned violinist and composer Amar Haldipur will be conferred with the S.D. Burman International Award in recognition of his achievements in the field of music.
The festival will also announce winners across its competitive sections. The Maharashtra Government’s Sant Tukaram Best International Film Award, carrying a prize of Rs 10 lakh, will be presented to the top international entry. In addition, the Sant Tukaram Award for Best International Marathi Film, valued at Rs 5 lakh, will honour excellence in Marathi cinema on the global stage.
PIFF 2026 was held from 15 to 22 January across ten cinema screens in Pune, offering audiences a diverse programme of Indian and international films. The festival was jointly organised by the Pune Film Foundation, the Department of Cultural Affairs of the Government of Maharashtra, and Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari, Mumbai. Over the past week, the event has hosted film screenings, discussions, and cultural exchanges that brought together filmmakers, critics, and cinema enthusiasts.
The closing ceremony is expected to draw a distinguished gathering, including consul generals from various countries, members of the international jury, and filmmakers whose works were showcased during the festival. Organisers say the grand finale will not only celebrate award winners but also reaffirm PIFF’s role as a major platform for artistic expression, cultural dialogue, and cinematic excellence.
As the curtains fall on its 24th edition, PIFF continues to strengthen Pune’s position on the global film festival map, highlighting both emerging talent and established voices in world cinema.
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