Pune: Kirloskar Vasundhara International Film Festival Returns to In-person Mode for its 19th Edition
Pune, 18th August 2026: SL Kirloskar CSR Foundation will host the 19th edition of the Kirloskar Vasundhara International Film Festival (KVIFF) on 22nd August 2026, marking the much‑awaited return of the festival in an in-person (offline) format. This year’s theme, ‘Brought to you by Earth’, aims to encourage citizens to develop a deeper connection with the natural world, while listening to the planet’s messages conveyed through changing climates and fragile ecosystems.
Kirloskar Vasundhara was established in 2007 as a platform to drive environmental awareness through films, discussions and community engagement. Over the years, it has evolved into one of the country’s leading environmental movements, bringing together environmentalists, conservationists, experts and citizens across the globe to inspire collective action towards a sustainable future. Since COVID-19 pandemic, the film festival was shifted to an online format.
Arti Kirloskar, Director, SL Kirloskar CSR Foundation, said, “Over the last 18 years, Kirloskar Vasundhara has become a powerful platform for driving environmental awareness and inspiring action through meaningful conversations and impactful storytelling. We are delighted to bring the festival back in an in-person format, allowing audiences to experience its spirit collectively. This year’s theme, ‘Brought to you by Earth’, encourages people to observe, appreciate and protect the environment in their immediate surroundings. We look forward to welcoming students, families, nature enthusiasts and citizens from across Pune.”
The festival will be held across two days – August 21st & 22nd, 2026. The first day will be exclusively curated for Kirloskar Group employees, while the second day will welcome the wider community.
The second day (August 22nd) of the festival will commence at 9 am with a dedicated programme for students from C B Tupe Sadhana Kanya Vidyalay, Loyola High School and St. Joseph High School. The session will include two short-film screening, interactive discussions and a theme-based workshop aimed at nurturing environmental consciousness among young minds.
The evening programme scheduled from 3:00 pm to 7:30 pm will be for open for all, that includes environmentalists, nature enthusiasts and citizens committed to sustainable living. This session will commence by featuring ‘Ghungroo’, a captivating folk dance performance by the Melghat tribal community. Later, three environment‑related short films and one feature film, all curated by ALT EFF, will be showcased, alongside a skit performed by students. The day will culminate with the presentation of the Vasundhara Sanman and Vasundhara Mitra awards, that recognises the contribution of organisations or individuals towards environment. The festival is open to all on a first-come, first-served basis.
Jagdish Purandare, CEO, SL Kirloskar CSR Foundation, said, “This year, the support of our partners, Ecological Society and The Youth Cosmo, has been instrumental in curating and strengthening the reach and impact of Kirloskar Vasundhara. Alongside films and discussions, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the Eco Bazaar, bringing together NGOs and social enterprises showcasing eco‑friendly products, sustainable solutions, and organic food. Through the awards and various festival activities, we hope to celebrate and encourage environmental stewardship at every level.”
The Eco-bazaar will be open from 3:00 pm to 7:30 pm at the Pune International Center, showcasing eco-friendly products, sustainable innovations, and community-driven initiatives from organisations such as The Timbaktu Collective, Sampoorna Bamboo Kendra, Hunnar Gurukul, Adi Green, The Youth Cosmo, and Witchcraft.
Inspired by the Sanskrit word for Mother Earth, Vasundhara, the initiative was launched to create awareness and inspire action towards environmental conservation. What began as a small environmental exhibition, has today evolved into a global platform that uses films, expert interactions, outreach programmes and community-led initiatives to encourage sustainable living and environmental responsibility. Over the years, Kirloskar Vasundhara has engaged thousands of participants and emerged as a catalyst for meaningful environmental action.
