Highlighting the theme of this year, PIFF director Dr Jabbar Patel said, “Raj Kapoor’s films brought a unique identity to Indian cinema. Through his cinema, Raj Kapoor addressed social topics and used music innovatively. Another emotional reason for this celebration is that Raj Kapoor’s shrine, along with Prithviraj Kapoor’s, is in Pune. Additionally, we are honouring other legendary artists such as singers Mohammed Rafi and Talat Mahmood, composer Madan Mohan, and actor A Nageswara Rao.”

“This year, 1,059 films from 107 countries have sent entries to PIFF, and more than 150 of them have been selected for the festival,” added Patel.

Samar Nakhate, chairman of the film selection committee, said, “This year, you will also see a greater focus on women-centric movies. These films primarily explore the relationship between women and society’s perceptions of them.”

The festival will feature screenings across 11 screens at various theatres: PVR Icon with six screens in Pavillion Mall on Senapati Bapat Road; Inox with three screens in Camp; and Cinepolis at Westend Mall in Aundh.

The online registration process for the festival will start on Wednesday, January 15, on the official website of the festival, and the on-the-spot registration process at the theatres will start on February 3. The registration fee for the festival is Rs 800.

An international jury will adjudicate the 14 finalist films to select the best international film, which will be honoured with the prestigious ‘Maharashtra Govt Sant Tukaram Best International Film Award’, along with a price of Rs 10 lakh, at the festival’s closing ceremony.