The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) came to a magnificent conclusion on 28th November 2024 at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, Goa, marking the end of a nine-day celebration of global and Indian cinema. The closing ceremony honored cinematic excellence, promoted creative dialogue, and celebrated young and seasoned filmmakers from across the globe.
This year’s festival was unique, with a theme centred on “Young Filmmakers: The Future is Now.” It showcased over 195 films, creating a platform for budding talent while paying homage to cinematic legends.
The closing ceremony was a blend of glamour and meaningful dialogue, celebrating the magic of storytelling. From dazzling performances to award presentations, the event honoured those who made significant contributions to the art of cinema.
The night ended with the screening of the closing film “Dry Season” by Czech filmmaker Bohdan Sláma, a moving story emphasizing sustainability and human relationships.
1. Golden Peacock Award: Best Film
The prestigious Golden Peacock Award for Best Feature Film was awarded to the Lithuanian film “Toxic”, directed by Saulė Bliuvaitė. The film, a coming-of-age narrative, received high praise for its sensitive portrayal of friendship and adolescence in a struggling socio-economic environment.
2. Silver Peacock Awards
3. Special Jury Award
French filmmaker Louise Courvoisier received the Special Jury Award for her film Holy Cow.
4. ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal
The Georgian film “Crossing” by Levan Akin was honored for promoting peace and non-violence.
5. Best Debut Film
The award for Best Debut Feature Film was won by Sarah Friedland for Familiar Touch (USA).
1. Best Debut Director of an Indian Feature Film
The newly introduced award for Best Debut Director of Indian Feature Film went to Navjyot Bandiwadekar for the Marathi film Gharat Ganpati. This recognition highlights IFFI’s commitment to encouraging emerging Indian filmmakers.
2. Best Web Series (OTT)
The Best Web Series (OTT) award was presented to the Marathi series “Lampan”, directed by Nipun Dharmadhikari.
3. Indian Film Personality of the Year
Actor Vikrant Massey was honored with the Indian Film Personality of the Year Award for his exceptional contributions to Indian cinema.
1. Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award
Australian filmmaker Phillip Noyce received the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to global cinema.
2. Special Felicitations
Veteran Indian filmmaker Ramesh Sippy and celebrated actress Jaya Prada were felicitated for their remarkable contributions to Indian cinema.
Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant
“The festival has placed Goa on the global map as a hub for cinema. Initiatives like Film Bazaar have attracted international filmmakers, and we assure seamless support for shooting in Goa.”
Secretary, Ministry of I&B, Sanjay Jaju
“This IFFI has been the most vibrant, celebrating young filmmakers and creative talents. The future of Indian cinema is brighter than ever.”
Award | Winner | Film/Project | Country |
---|---|---|---|
Golden Peacock (Best Film) | Saulė Bliuvaitė | Toxic | Lithuania |
Silver Peacock (Best Director) | Bogdan Muresanu | The New Year That Never Came | Romania |
Silver Peacock (Best Actor – Male) | Clément Faveau | Holy Cow | France |
Silver Peacock (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 |
Best Debut Director of Indian Film | Navjyot Bandiwadekar | Gharat Ganpati | India |
ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal | Levan Akin | Crossing | Georgia |
Best Web Series (OTT) | Nipun Dharmadhikari | Lampan | India |
Indian Film Personality of the Year | Vikrant Massey | — | India |
Category | Details |
---|---|
Why in News | The 55th IFFI concluded in Goa, celebrating global and Indian cinema with a grand closing ceremony. |
Theme | “Young Filmmakers: The Future is Now” |
Venue | Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, Goa |
Duration | 20th November 2024 – 28th November 2024 |
Golden Peacock (Best Film) | Toxic (Lithuania) – A coming-of-age narrative by Saulė Bliuvaitė. |
Silver Peacock (Best Director) | Bogdan Muresanu (The New Year That Never Came) – Recognized for outstanding storytelling. |
Silver Peacock (Best Actor – Male) | Clément Faveau (Holy Cow) – For portraying a transformative journey. |
Silver Peacock (Best Actor – Female) | Vesta Matulytė & Ieva Rupeikaitė (Toxic) – Jointly awarded for exceptional performances. |
Special Jury Award | Louise Courvoisier (Holy Cow) – Honored for creative excellence. |
Best Debut Feature Film | Familiar Touch by Sarah Friedland – Celebrated for a remarkable debut. |
Best Debut Director (Indian Feature) | Navjyot Bandiwadekar (Gharat Ganpati) – For outstanding storytelling in Marathi cinema. |
ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal | Crossing by Levan Akin – Recognized for promoting peace, tolerance, and non-violence. |
Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement | Phillip Noyce (Australia) – Honored for contributions to cinema. |
Best Web Series (OTT) | Lampan (Sony Liv) – Directed by Nipun Dharmadhikari. |
Indian Film Personality of the Year | Vikrant Massey – Recognized for his contributions to Indian cinema. |
The India International Science Festival (IISF) 2024, India’s largest science celebration, will take place at…
The Indian Army has launched "Eklavya," an online learning platform aimed at revolutionizing officers’ training.…
On Thursday, the Odisha government approved 20 major investment projects worth Rs 1.36 lakh crore…
In a bid to promote sustainable tourism and balance tourist traffic, the Ministry of Tourism…
India and Bosnia & Herzegovina held the 4th Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Sarajevo, led…
The 13th National Seed Congress (NSC) 2024, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’…