NEW DELHI: Film buffs are gearing up for the inaugural edition of Pondicherry International Film Festival (PIFF 2018), an independent film festival showcasing more than 100 films.
Announced by streaming platform Pickurflick, the festival is supported by Puducherry Tourism Department.
The event will be held at multiple locations across Puducherry from September 26-30.
National award-winning film critic Saibal Chatterjee is the director of the PIFF 2018. He said, "The Pondicherry International Film Festival will celebrate the spirit of independence by showcasing directors who revel in swimming against the tide. Its vision -- and mission -- centres on streams of filmmaking -- shorts, documentaries, animation and fiction features -- that focus on ground-breaking idioms and themes."
He added, "PIFF will highlight the relevance of not only filmmakers but also filmgoers who want to engage differently, and in new ways, with the medium. It is our fervent hope that the film festival will propel an exciting, full-fledged movement in the years ahead."
Actor Adil Hussain, who is associated with Pickurflick as its mentor and brand ambassador, said, "Pondicherry (Puducherry) brings light into my heart. I had been in Pondicherry since 1995. It played one of the most important roles for me to help grow as a person and an actor."
France is the partner country for the festival. Hence, there will be a special focus on French cinema, art and culture. "I am so very delighted that the first Pondicherry International Film Festival is taking place there," Hussain added.
Besides film screenings, the five-day film festival will also conduct art and culture exhibition, food festival and music concerts to celebrate art, entertainment and travel in Puducherry. The mega festival will also promote Puducherry as a tourist destination.
The fest will also have panel discussions, interactions with filmmakers and master classes by eminent filmmakers and actors. PIFF 2018 will have a special section on independent Tamil cinema and will also focus on independent regional cinema.