PUNE, Dec. 18 -- The 24th Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) 2026 will be held from January 15 to 22, 2026; and will be themed around the birth centenary of legendary filmmaker, actor and director Guru Dutt. The announcement was made by festival director and veteran filmmaker Jabbar Patel in the presence of playwright Satish Alekar, Sabina Sanghvi, trustees of the Pune Film Foundation, and senior film critic and chairman of the film selection committee Samar Nakhate at a press conference in Pune on Tuesday. Patel said, "Guru Dutt's journey remains one of the most inspiring chapters of Indian cinema. His deep connection with Pune, Prabhat Studio and his early struggles shaped a filmmaker who introduced darker human emotions, innovative storytelling and unforgettable music to mainstream cinema. From 'Baazi 'and 'CID' to 'Pyaasa' and 'Kaagaz Ke Phool', his work was not just entertainment but a mirror to society, and that is why this festival will carry Guru Dutt's unmistakeable stamp throughout." Along with Guru Dutt, the festival is celebrating 100 years of Ritwik Ghatak and 125 years of V Shantaram, both of whom had profound connection with Pune and film education. "This year, we received over 900 films from 103 countries. Our opening film will be Paolo Sorrentino's 'La Grazia' from Italy, and the closing film will be Jim Jarmusch's 'Father, Mother, Sister, Brother'," Patel said. Around 140 films will be screened at the festival across various sections, including world competition, Marathi competition, and global cinema. This year, there has been an overwhelming response to the world competition section with more than 900 films submitted from 103 countries, 14 out of which have been shortlisted for the final round. These films will be judged by an international jury, and the winning entry will receive Maharashtra Government Sant Tukaram Best International Film Award, which carries a cash prize of Rs.10 lakh. The festival is jointly organised by Pune Film Foundation; department of cultural affairs; Government of Maharashtra; and Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari, Mumbai. It will be conducted across 10 screens in the city, including six at PVR, Pavilion Mall; three at E-Square, University Road; and one at NFDC-NFAI theatre, Law College Road. The fee for all participants has been fixed at Rs.800....