Pune to Host 10th Edition of International Queer Film Festival from May 29
Reported by Shoaib Tadvi
Yerwada, 28th May 2026: Pune will witness a major celebration of queer cinema, culture, and inclusivity as the 10th edition of the Out & Loud Pune International Queer Film Festival (PIQFF) begins from May 29 to May 31 at Lokashahir Annabhau Sathe Rangamandir in Yerwada. Organised by Mist LGBTQ Foundation, the three-day festival will bring together filmmakers, activists, artists, corporate leaders, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community from across India and abroad.
According to the organisers, the landmark edition will feature international queer films, documentaries, cultural performances, and panel discussions focusing on diversity, equity, inclusion, and the challenges currently faced by the LGBTQIA+ community in India. One of the key discussions scheduled during the festival, titled “DEI in the Time of Global Crisis,” will address the impact of recent legislative and social developments affecting transgender rights in the country.
The festival will also introduce the “Out & Loud People Awards,” recognising individuals and organisations working towards inclusion and equality in workplaces and society. Winners will be selected through audience participation, maintaining the festival’s community-driven approach.
Speaking about the significance of the festival, Shyam Konnur, Founder and CEO of Mist LGBTQ Foundation, said the event reflects the resilience and visibility of Pune’s queer movement and aims to keep art, resistance, and community spaces accessible to everyone.
Social activist Manasvi Goilkar, Founding Member of Shikhandi Dhol Tasha Pathak, welcomed the initiative and said, “Out & Loud is more than just a film festival; it is a platform where the stories, identities, and struggles of the queer community are acknowledged with dignity. Such events help create acceptance, encourage dialogue, and remind society that representation and inclusion are essential for real social change.”
The festival is free and open to all, though organisers have encouraged online registration to avoid queues at the venue.
