Men: 6, Women: 1 | Shortlist of Marathi films in PIFF competition reveals gender problem in Indian cinema

When the directors, whose films are in the Marathi competition of the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF), gathered for the session “Voices of Tomorrow: Conversations with Filmmakers of Today’s Marathi Competition” at PVR, Pavillion Mall, on Tuesday, a missed opportunity emerged as a subtle subtext. Of the seven filmmakers on the stand, only one was a woman. After Jeejivisha Kale, director of Tigheeleft the panel early to attend its screening at E-Square, the audience was only able to enjoy the experiences of male directors. Forty films were submitted to the competition and seven were selected.

“When we look at the whole India picture, how many female filmmakers do we find? The number is increasing, but not fast enough. There are not many women coming forward to lead. In a film, the director is a captain. It is the girls with guts who become directors. Women have the qualifications; they need a leadership quality. There are enough women who can make films, but only if they take control. Women have to control entire teams to make films,” said Dr Jabbar Patel, director of the festival, to The indian express after the session.

She added that women are present in large numbers in different capacities throughout the film industry. They are editors, scriptwriters and cameramen, among others. “When you are a filmmaker, it is your idea and your concept that you put on the big screen. I hope we have more points of view on women,” she said.

She said it is not possible to explain the skewed gender balance in the Marathi Competition section of PIFF 2026. “I don’t know how many female filmmakers applied for the Marathi Competition section and didn’t make the cut. When PIFF selected the best films for the competition, there was only one film by a female director. Next year, perhaps, there will be four girls and three boys,” she said.

The PIFF World Competition section has almost the same number of female and male directors. She added that, in general, PIFF has a large number of women filmmakers. “In India, the good thing is that many professional women are coming out of film and communication schools,” she said.

“For women filmmakers, what is important is that they have a kind of feeling of authority. Women must have authority, drive and passion. Passion is very important. In cinema, nothing can happen without passion,” added Patel.

Tighee revolves around two sisters and “how families survive through silences, sacrifices and secrets that, at the same time, save and destroy them.”

Dipanita Nath is a senior assistant editor at The Indian Express, based in Pune. She is a versatile journalist with a deep interest in the intersection of culture, sustainability and urban life. Professional experience: Before joining The Indian Express, he worked with other top news organizations including Hindustan Times, The Times of India and Mint. Primary specializations: She is widely recognized for her coverage of the climate crisis, theater and performing arts, heritage conservation, and the startup ecosystem (often through her “Pune Inc” series). Narrative Approach: His work often uncovers “hidden stories” of Pune, focusing on historical institutes, local traditions and the personal journeys of social innovators. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Their recent reports highlight the cultural pulse of Pune and the environmental challenges the city faces during the winter season: 1. Climate and Environment “Pune shiveres on coldest morning of the season, minimum temperature falls to 6.9°C” (December 20, 2025): Report on record cold wave in Pune and IMD forecast for the week. “How a heritage tree mapping event at Ganeshkhind Garden highlights growing interest in Pune’s green heritage” (December 20, 2025): Covers a citizen-led initiative where Generation Z and millennials came together to document and protect ancient trees at a Biodiversity Heritage Site. “Right to Breathe: Landmark NGT orders direct PMC to set standards for pollution from construction sites” (December 8, 2025): Report on a major legal victory for residents fighting dust and air pollution in urban neighborhoods like Baner. 2. “Hidden Stories” and Heritage “Library within Pune that has nurtured the minds of entrepreneurs for 17 years” (December 21, 2025) – A Venture Center library feature detailing how a collection of 3,500 specialized books helps tech startups navigate the product lifecycle. “Before he died, Ram Sutar gave Pune a lasting gift” (December 18, 2025) – A tribute to legendary sculptor Ram Sutar (creator of the Statue of Unity), focusing on his local works such as the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue at Pune airport. “The Pune institute where MA Jinnah was once the chief guest” (December 6, 2025): An archival exploration of the College of Agriculture, established in 1907, and its historic role in India’s freedom struggle. 3. Arts, Theater and ‘Pune Inc’ ‘Satyajit Ray and Ritwik Ghatak were not rivals but close friends, says veteran filmmaker’ (December 17, 2025) – An in-depth interview ahead of the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) that explores the camaraderie between legends of Indian cinema. “Meet the Pune entrepreneur helping women build and scale businesses” (December 16, 2025) – Part of her “Pune Inc” series, which profiles Nikita Vora’s efforts to empower women-led startups. “How Women Drone Pilots in Rural Maharashtra Are Cultivating a Green Habit” (December 12, 2025): Exploring how women in agriculture are using technology to reduce chemical use and labor. Signature Style Dipanita Nath is known for her intellectual curiosity and narrative approach. Whether he’s writing about a 110-year-old restaurant or the complexities of the climate crisis, he focuses on the human element and historical context. His columns are often a mix of reportage and cultural commentary, making them a staple for readers interested in the “soul” of Pune. X (Twitter): @dipanitanath …Read more

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