For the first time, this year’s Pune International film festival (PIFF) received the official recognition of the State government. The presence of chief minister of Maharashtra Mr. Ashok Chavan as the chief guest for the concluding function, made all the difference. The chief minister made an official announcement that from next year onwards PIFF will be called Maharashtra International Film festival. Mr. Chavan also assured all support to the film makers whose films received threats from Political censorship in spite of getting Censor’s clearance. “Those who have any objections, should approach the Censor board,” he said.

The following awards were presented on the occasion:
Sant Tukaram award for Best International Marathi film : ‘Natarang’
Prabhat’s award for Best International film : White Lightning’ ( Great Britain)
Best direction – International film : Maria Prokazkova ( Who is afraid of the wolf)
Best direction – Marathi film : Umesh Kulkarni ( Vihir)
Best actor : Atul Kulkarni ( Natarang)
Best screenplay : Renuka Shahane ( Rita)
Sp. Awards : Acting : Kishore Kadam ( Pangira)
Cinematography : Sudhir Palsane( Vihir)