India, Jan. 16 -- Kiran Kulkarni, chief secretary, department of cultural affairs, Government of Maharashtra, emphasised the importance of preserving a culture of collective film viewing in an era dominated by digital platforms and said that film festivals like the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) play a crucial role in keeping the theatrical experience alive.

Kulkarni was speaking as the chief guest at the grand inauguration of the 24th Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) at E-Square theatre, University Road, on Thursday evening.

"While technology has changed the way cinema is consumed, often shifting it to mobile phones and OTT platforms, the emotional depth of cinema can truly be experienced only through collective viewing...