Cultural streak

The Pune International Film Festival firmly established Pune as a chosen destination for cine goers. PT reports
Pune is among the fastest developing cities in the world, thanks to the Commonwealth Youth Games that gave fresh impetus to its infrastructure development. The presence of the illustrious Film & Television Institute of India (FTII) has invested Pune with fresh talent for the film industry and has bolstered Pune���s overall standing as the ���Oxford of the East���.Completing the cinema connection is the presence of the historic and well-stocked National Film Archive of India (NFAI) and Prabhat Studios.
Pune is at the forefront of cinema. Recognising this fact, the city MP Suresh Kalmadi launched the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) in 2002. Over 1800 delegates enrolled and more than 50 pictures were screened from eight countries. Legendary director Mrinal Sen and actor Dilip Kumar were honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Suresh Kalmadi garnered the support of the Information & Broadcasting Ministry and the Govt of Maharashtra. With bigwigs such as Yash Chopra, Subhash Ghai, Hema Malini, Milton Shefter and Manmohan Shetty on the advisory board of PIFF, the much talked about event was destined to be a roaring success.
With the growth of multiplexes in and around Pune, film lovers have never had it so good. Committed to bringing the best in celluloid to Puneites, PIFF 2009 has showcased more than 150 films from 42 countries. Many renowned directors, technicians, actors chose to be a part of the festival. Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel, State Finance Minister Dilip Walse Patil and Culture Minister Harshwardhan Patil were the Guests of Honour at the closing ceremony that was held on the January 15.
Suresh Kalmadi started the Pune festival 20 years ago with the aim of promoting culture and tourism in the city. With his tireless efforts, he has etched a place of pride for Pune on the international map. And, PIFF is the crown jewel of the festival.