Over 70 films from 15 countries -- including Japan, China, Israel and Taiwan -- will be screened in the eight-day festival which will be held in three venues -- City Pride in Kothrud, National Film Archive Of India and Dhruva Auditorium at the Indira University Campus in Wakad.

Festival director Virendra Chitrav said, "Film festivals have always received overwhelming response from Puneites. This time, to cover a larger audience, we have decided to conduct part of it in Pimpri Chinchwad for the first time. A lot of students in Wakad, and adjoining areas as well as IT professionals will be able to be a part of the festival."

Two Marathi films will be premiered along with last year's seven best films.

Convener of the festival Dr Mohan Agashe said, "Asia is, at present, the focus of the social and political change and the shift is also reflected in cinema. The festival will bring the best of the Asian countries to our audience."

"Interactions with directors and artists will also be organised in `Open Forum.' We have also organised a special section devoted to films from the SAARC countries along with special screenings of Israeli director Dan Wolman and Korean Director Kim-Ki-Duk's films in the Retrospective section," said Satish Jakatdar, festival director.

Registration for the festival will be open from October 4.