Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Mumbai and the 23rd Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) collaborate to present the Festival opening film Gloria! directed by Margherita Vicario and to welcome acclaimed filmmaker Marco Bechis who joins the prestigious jury for the Festival.
Marco Bechis is a Chilean-Italian filmmaker and screenwriter, renowned for his powerful explorations of political oppression, exile, and human resilience. Born in Santiago, Chile, in 1957, his personal experiences of political exile, after being expelled by Argentina’s military junta and eventually settling in Italy, deeply influence his work. Bechis’ films, including Garage Olimpo (1999) and Birdwatchers (2008), often tackle themes of dictatorship, trauma, and marginalized voices. Known for his empathetic storytelling and stark visual style, Bechis uses cinema as a means of preserving history and confronting societal injustices.
During the Festival (13th to 20th February 2025), audiences will have the occasion to enjoy a handpicked selection of Italian films.
Gloria! | Gloria!
Directed by Margherita Vicario
(OPENING FILM)
13 February, Thursday | 7.00 pm | Ganesh Kala Krida Rangmanch, Swargate, Near Nehru Stadium Pune
19 February, Wednesday | 5:30 pm | PVR THE PAVALLION MALL Auditorium -6
Set in 1800 at Sant’Ignazio College near Venice, Gloria! follows “the Mute”, a silent maid with a hidden musical talent that allows her to sense the universe’s harmony. Around Teresa and her revolutionary pianoforte gathers an amazing quartet of young women, creating revolutionary music that surprises the newly enthroned Pope and the world. The film celebrates the overlooked hidden genius of female composers throughout history.
Luce | Luce
Directed by Silvia Luzi, Luca Bellino
(GLOBAL CINEMA)
14 February, Friday | 1:00 pm | INOX CAMP Screen -1
17 February, Monday | 3:00 pm | PVR THE PAVALLION MALL Auditorium -1
Il Più Bel Secolo Della Mia Vita | The Best Century of My Life
Directed by Alessandro Bardani
(GLOBAL CINEMA)
14 February, Friday | 6:00 pm | CINEPOLIS WESTEND MALL AUNDH Screen -1
16 February, Sunday | 6:00 pm | PVR THE PAVALLION MALL Auditorium -5
The Damned | The Damned
Directed by Roberto Minervini
(GLOBAL CINEMA)
15 February, Saturday| 12:45 pm | INOX CAMP Screen -3
18 February, Tuesday | 5:30 pm | PVR THE PAVALLION MALL Auditorium -3
Eterno Visionario | Eternal Visionary
Directed by Michele Placido
(GLOBAL CINEMA)
16 February, Sunday | 10:10 am | PVR THE PAVALLION MALL Auditorium -3
19 February, Wednesday | 5:15 pm | CINEPOLIS WESTEND MALL AUNDH Screen -3
Parthenope | Parthenope
Directed by Paolo Sorrentino
(GLOBAL CINEMA)
16 February, Sunday | 12:45 pm | PVR THE PAVALLION MALL Auditorium -3
18 February, Tuesday | 4.30 pm | PVR THE PAVALLION MALL Auditorium -5
Iddu | Sicilian Letters
Directed by Fabio Grassadonia & Antonio Piazza
(GLOBAL CINEMA)
17 February, Monday | 10:00 am | PVR THE PAVALLION MALL Auditorium -2
20 February, Thursday | 10:20 am | Cinepolis Westend Mall Aundh Screen -3
Another End | Another End
Directed by Piero Messina
(GLOBAL CINEMA)
18 February, Tuesday | 5:30 pm | PVR THE PAVALLION MALL Auditorium -6
20 February, Thursday | 10:30 am | Inox Camp Screen -1
Confidenza | Trust
Directed by Daniele Luchetti
(GLOBAL CINEMA)
18 February, Tuesday | 10:10 am | PVR THE PAVALLION MALL Auditorium -3
20 February, Thursday | 10:20 am | PVR THE PAVALLION MALL Auditorium -4