The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) concluded with grandeur on 28th November 2024 at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Goa. The nine-day festival celebrated the art of filmmaking, showcased global and Indian cinema, and highlighted the creativity of both emerging and established filmmakers.
Theme and Highlights
This year’s theme, “Young Filmmakers: The Future is Now,” focused on nurturing young talent and exploring innovative storytelling techniques. Over 195 films were screened, representing diverse narratives and cultures.
The festival closed with a screening of the Czech film “Dry Season” by Bohdan Sláma, a poignant story emphasizing sustainability and human relationships.
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Complete List of Award Winners at IFFI 2024
Golden Peacock Award: Best Film
- Winner: Toxic
- Director: Saulė Bliuvaitė
- Country: Lithuania
- About the Film: A coming-of-age story highlighting friendship and adolescence in a challenging socio-economic setting.
Silver Peacock Awards
- Best Director
- Winner: Bogdan Muresanu
- Film: The New Year That Never Came
- Country: Romania
- Best Actor (Male)
- Winner: Clément Faveau
- Film: Holy Cow
- Country: France
- Best Actor (Female)
- Winners: Vesta Matulytė and Ieva Rupeikaitė
- Film: Toxic
- Country: Lithuania
Special Jury Award
- Winner: Louise Courvoisier
- Film: Holy Cow
- Country: France
Best Debut Feature Film
- Winner: Familiar Touch
- Director: Sarah Friedland
- Country: USA
ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal
- Winner: Crossing
- Director: Levan Akin
- Country: Georgia
- Focus: Promoting peace, tolerance, and non-violence.
Indian Talent Honored at IFFI 2024
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- Sahitya Akademi Awards 2023
Best Debut Director of an Indian Feature Film
- Winner: Navjyot Bandiwadekar
- Film: Gharat Ganpati
- Language: Marathi
Best Web Series (OTT)
- Winner: Lampan
- Director: Nipun Dharmadhikari
- Platform: Sony Liv
Indian Film Personality of the Year
- Winner: Vikrant Massey
- For: Exceptional contributions to Indian cinema.
Lifetime Achievement and Special Honors
Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award
- Winner: Phillip Noyce
- Country: Australia
- Recognition: Outstanding contributions to global cinema.
Special Felicitations
- Ramesh Sippy: Renowned Indian filmmaker celebrated for his cinematic legacy.
- Jaya Prada: Veteran actress honored for her contributions to Indian cinema.
Key Takeaways from IFFI 2024
Why IFFI 2024 Matters for Competitive Exams
- Golden Peacock Award Winner: Toxic (Lithuania).
- Theme: “Young Filmmakers: The Future is Now.”
- Notable Indian Achievements:
- Navjyot Bandiwadekar for Gharat Ganpati.
- Vikrant Massey as Indian Film Personality of the Year.
- Global Contributions:
- Phillip Noyce honored with the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Cultural Insights: The ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal for promoting peace and non-violence.
Summary Table of Winners
| Award | Winner | Film/Project | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Peacock (Best Film) | Saulė Bliuvaitė | Toxic | Lithuania |
| Best Director | Bogdan Muresanu | The New Year That Never Came | Romania |
| Best Actor (Male) | Clément Faveau | Holy Cow | France |
| Best Actor (Female) | Vesta Matulytė, Ieva Rupeikaitė | Toxic | Lithuania |
| Special Jury Award | Louise Courvoisier | Holy Cow | France |
| Best Debut Feature Film | Sarah Friedland | Familiar Touch | USA |
| ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal | Levan Akin | Crossing | Georgia |
| Best Debut Director (India) | Navjyot Bandiwadekar | Gharat Ganpati | India |
| Best Web Series (OTT) | Nipun Dharmadhikari | Lampan | India |
The 55th IFFI successfully showcased the power of storytelling and creativity, leaving an indelible mark on global cinema and reaffirming India’s role as a hub for cultural and cinematic excellence.
