Long Live Cinema!!!

Founded in 2012 by Arogya Sena, the Smita Patil International Film Festival (SPIFF) was created to honor the legacy of the legendary actress Smita Patil.

Known for her courageous and trailblazing work in Indian cinema, Smita Patil stood firmly as an alternative voice to mainstream films. Her performances were bold, socially rooted, and deeply human. Though her life was tragically cut short at the age of 31, her contribution to cinema continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences across generations.

SPIFF carries forward that legacy by championing cinema that dares to ask difficult questions and tell stories with conviction.

What We Celebrate

Over the past decade, SPIFF has established itself as one of India’s premier short film festivals. It is known for its carefully curated programming and its vibrant, close-knit community of cinephiles.

The festival is a two-day event held in Pune, with screenings hosted at the National Film Archive of India, a space deeply connected to India’s cinematic heritage. SPIFF brings together enthusiastic audiences, local critics, and visiting filmmakers in an environment that encourages meaningful engagement with cinema.

Beyond screenings, SPIFF is also known for its intimate conversations and exclusive dinner gatherings, allowing filmmakers to connect, reflect, and exchange ideas in an informal, unhurried setting.

At SPIFF, we are dedicated to celebrating original voices in Indian and global cinema. Our focus is on films that are daring, innovative, and unafraid to push the boundaries of conventional storytelling.

We showcase films that explore:

  • Human nature and social realities

  • Relationships, identity, and psychology

  • Personal, political, and cultural narratives

  • New cinematic forms and bold perspectives

Every selection reflects a commitment to authenticity, originality, and narrative strength.

The Festival Experience

Our Programming Philosophy

SPIFF is curated by a team of filmmakers and passionate cinephiles who are deeply invested in cinema as an art form. The programming process is driven by curiosity, integrity, and respect for the filmmaker’s voice.

This approach ensures that SPIFF remains a space where films are not just screened, but truly engaged with.

Carrying the Legacy Forward

SPIFF remains deeply committed to honouring the spirit of Smita Patil by spotlighting films that reflect the courage, creativity, and conviction she embodied throughout her career.

At its heart, the festival is a celebration of cinema that matters, stories that stay, and voices that refuse to be ignored.