23rd Pune International Film Festival to Host 8 Iranian Films
The 23rd edition of the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) will feature eight captivating films from Iran, set to be showcased in the Global Cinema section. Taking place from February 13 to 20, the festival will present a diverse selection of Iranian cinema, reflecting a range of compelling narratives and emotions.
Iranian Films at PIFF
The eight films participating in the Global Cinema section of the festival include:
At the End of the Day (2024) – Directed by Babak Bahram-BeygiA 99-minute drama exploring one day in the lives of three young women from different generations dealing with emotional crises.The cast includes Hanieh Tavasoli, Mahtab Servati, Shayesteh Sajadi, Shabnam Moghadami, and Reza Behbodi.Captain (2023) – Directed by Mohammad HamzeiA heartwarming 90-minute film about two boys, Isa and Ali, who dream of becoming football players while in the children’s cancer ward of a hospital.Starring Pantea Panahiha, Pejman Bazeghi, Sepideh Eydi, Amir Hossein Bayat, and Parham Gholamlou.In the Land of Brothers (2024) – Directed by Alireza Ghasemi and Raha AmirfazliA 2024 joint production of Iran, France, and the Netherlands, this film follows an Afghan refugee family who begins a new life in Iran, unaware of the challenges they will face.Featuring Hamideh Jafari, Bashir Nikzad, and Mohammad Hosseini.Roxana (2023) – Directed by Parviz ShahbaziThis two-hour film tells the story of Fred, a young man living with his sick mother, who becomes an assistant to Roxana, a wedding videographer.The cast includes Yasna Pourtahmasb, Mahsa Akbarabadi, Maedeh Tahmasbi, Behrang Alavi, and Rambod Motalebi.Shoomah (2024) – Directed by Mojgan BayatA 94-minute drama about Mitra, a single mother running an ecotourism business, who embarks on a journey to find her husband after the bodies of war victims are found.Starring Fatemeh Motamed-Arya, Pejman Bazeghi, and Rouzbeh Hesari.Summertime (2024) – Directed by Mahmoud KalariThis 108-minute film follows two cousins in 1953 Tehran, whose childhood bonds and emotions are revisited when one of them returns as an adult in the 1970s.The cast includes Ali Shadman, Fariba Naderi, Ryan Sarlak, Ronika Bahramzadeh, and Samira Hassanpour.The Old Bachelor (2024) – Directed by Oktay BaraheniA family drama about two middle-aged brothers living with their abusive father, whose life changes when a young woman moves into the flat above them.Featuring Leila Hatami, Hamed Behdad, Hassan Pourshirazi, and Mohammad Valizadegan.The Wasteman (2024) – Directed by Ahmad BahramiA unique 89-minute film depicting a silent, deserted village, where a middle-aged wagon driver transports a lifeless corpse to a cemetery.Starring Ali Bagheri.About the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF)
Since its inception in 2002, PIFF has grown into one of the premier film festivals in India, providing a platform for global cinema. The festival’s objective is to build a healthy film culture, offering film enthusiasts access to diverse films from various cultures worldwide.
Themes: Each edition of PIFF carries a unique contemporary theme.Film Categories: PIFF features categories like World Competition, Marathi Competition, Global Cinema, Country Focus, and Retrospective.Awards: An international jury decides the awards for films in the competitive sections, showcasing the best of world cinema.Importance of PIFF
PIFF holds special significance as it is the only festival that provides international recognition to Marathi cinema. Since its official recognition by the Government of Maharashtra in 2010, the festival continues to expand its reach, attracting accomplished filmmakers, film personalities, and passionate film lovers every year.
Important HighlightsFestival Dates: February 13 to 20, 2025Iranian Films: Eight Iranian films will be featured in the Global Cinema section.Diverse Cinema: The festival aims to bring together films from different cultures, with a strong emphasis on global cinema.PIFF’s Growth: Over the years, PIFF has grown in scale, fostering cultural exchange and recognition for Marathi cinema on the international stage.