'Drift' By Anthony Chen Bags Prestigious ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal at IFFI 54

The collaborative effort of French, British and Greek filmmakers, “Drift,” directed by Anthony Chen, has been honored with the esteemed ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal at the 54^th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). This emotionally charged film delves into the life of an immigrant woman, Jacqueline, brilliantly portrayed by Cynthia Erivo, as she navigates the harsh realities of human madness. The award was announced during the grand closing ceremony of the festival held in Goa.

Plot Summary

“Drift” unfolds the compelling story of Jacqueline, a young refugee who finds herself alone and penniless on a Greek island. The film chronicles her journey to survive and confront her tumultuous past. Along the way, she forms an unexpected bond with a rootless tour guide, played by Alia Shawkat, illustrating the resilience that can emerge in the face of life’s uncertainties. The movie beautifully portrays how drifting through challenges can lead to profound and unexpected connections.

The Characters

Cynthia Erivo’s portrayal of Jacqueline brings depth and emotion to the character, capturing the struggles and triumphs of a young immigrant woman. Alia Shawkat adds nuance to the narrative as the rootless tour guide who becomes Jacqueline’s companion in navigating life’s complexities.

Recognition and Jury Observations

The ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal, a prestigious accolade established by ICFT Paris and UNESCO, was awarded to “Drift” for its embodiment of Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of peace, non-violence, compassion and universal brotherhood. The jury, in their observations, highlighted the film’s ability to draw lines of hope and resilience amidst challenging circumstances.

Global Premiere and Source Material

“Drift” had its World Premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 22, 2023, garnering attention and acclaim from audiences and critics alike. The film is based on the novel “A Marker To Measure Drift” by Alexander Maksik, who, along with Susanne Farrell, co-scripted the cinematic adaptation.

Competition at IFFI

The IFFI-UNESCO Gandhi Medal was contested by ten films from around the world at this year’s IFFI. “Drift” emerged victorious, standing out for its powerful storytelling and its ability to resonate with the festival’s theme of providing enduring values.

The Gandhi Medal Legacy

Since its inception in 2015 at the 46^th IFFI, the ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal has celebrated films that embody the enduring values of Mahatma Gandhi. The award continues to be a yearly tribute to films that exemplify peace, non-violence, compassion and universal brotherhood.