Women filmmakers steal the show at 55th IFFI awards in Goa

Walk away with Golden Peacock award for film 'Toxic' and Special Jury award for 'Holy Cow'; lead female actors of 'Toxic' bag Best Actor honours
Shriya Saran dancing at IFFI closing ceremony in Goa.
DANCE DANCE: Drishyam actress Shriya Saran performed a classical set at the IFFI closing ceremony. Photo: Rohan Fernandes
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Women filmmakers led the charge at the 55th International Film Festival of India awards ceremony on the closing day by winning the prestigious Golden Peacock Award and Special Jury Award at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, Bambolim, Goa.

The Lithuanian film, Toxic, directed by Saulė Bliuvaitė not only won 'The Golden Peacock Award', but both the lead actors of the film - Vesta Matulytė and Leva Rupeikaitė received the Best Actor (Female) award.  

Similarly, the French film, Holy Cow, directed by Louise Courvoiser won the Special Jury Award at IFFI 2024.

The Lithuanian film 'Toxic' wins the Golden Peacock Award at IFFI 2024.
GOLDEN PEACOCK: The Golden Peacock award went to Lithuanian film 'Toxic'. Photo: PIB

POWER-PACKED PERFORMANCE

The much-awaited IFFI awards night became even more memorable for the delegates and guests, thanks to spectacular performances by Rashmika Mandanna, Amaal Malik, and Shriya Saran.

Adding to the magic were musical storytellers Nikita Gandhi and Digvijay Singh Pariyar, whose soulful and energetic performances made the evening truly unforgettable.

Rashmika Mandanna dances at IFFI 2024.
STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL: Actress Rashmika Mandanna lit up the stage with her infectious smile and stunning beauty as she danced to a track from the highly anticipated film 'Pushpa 2'.Photo: Rohan Fernandes

SATYAJIT RAY LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Renowned Australian Director Phillip Noyce was honoured with the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement award for pioneering cinematic legacy. On the occasion, Noyce was all praise for the Indian audience, "They are unlike any other, fully immersed in the emotions of the film, as though they are part of it.”

He also praised Indian cinema industry for producing most number of feature films every year.

Remembering the legendry film maker Satyajit Ray, Noyce said, “We all are inspired by the work of Satyajit Ray. I have drawn from his approach in my work, particularly when casting.”

Australian Director Philip Noyce wins Satyajit Ray Lifetime Award.
CINEMATIC LEGACY: Renowned Australian Director Phillip Noyce won Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement award at the 55th IFFI. Photo: PIB

UPCOMING TALENT

For the first time, IFFI introduced the Best Debut Director of Indian Feature Film which was conferred upon Navjyot Bandiwadekar for his Marathi film, Gharat Ganpati. The film celebrated Bandiwadekar's creativity and brought forth his potential as an emerging filmmaker.

SHOW STEALER

Vikrant Massey, the talented actor behind stellar performances in films like 12th Fail, The Sabarmati Report, and Sector 36, was named the Indian Personality of the Year 2024.

Vikrant Massey at IFFI 2024.
A YEAR OF GREATS: Vikrant Massey walked the IFFI closing ceremony with pride as he won the Indian Personality of the Year award for his stellar roles. Photo: Rohan Fernandes

FEST HAVING GLOBAL APPEAL: GOA CM

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant, highlighted the global appeal of IFFI by saying "international tourists specially mark their calendars to attend the festival in Goa." He added, "IFFI Goa is what we know the festival to be, it’s not only for national audience but international as well."

“With all the infrastructure in place over the years, filmmakers should take advantage of the same. I will make sure we give all filmmakers a single window clearance to shoot in Goa,” he assured.

PERFORMANCES FALL SHORT

The closing ceremony saw stars like Rashmika Mandanna, Rupali Ganguly, Vikrant Massey, Ramesh Sippy, Shreya Sharan, Amaal Mallik, Mame Khan, Stephen Wolie and others.

Though the glamour was present, celebrity appearances were few and also the performances could have been better. But all good things have to come to an end. And, as the final credits rolled, it was a bittersweet moment for guests, delegates and film personalities who spent nine-days in the land of sea, sun and sand.

Shriya Saran dancing at IFFI closing ceremony in Goa.
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THANK YOU GOA: KAPUR

Ending the nine-day long IFFI festivities on a good note, well-known director Shekhar Kapur expressed his gratitude to Goa and its people for their warmth and hospitality. He vowed to return as long as the people continued to extend their warm welcome.

Shriya Saran dancing at IFFI closing ceremony in Goa.
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AND THE AWARDS WENT TO:

1. BEST FILM: Toxic by Saulė Bliuvaitė.

2.  BEST ACTOR (Male): Clément Faveau for Holy Cow.

3. BEST DIRECTOR: Bodgan Muresanu for The New Year That Never Came.

4. BEST ACTOR (Female): Vesta Matulytė and Ieva Rupeikaitė for Toxic.

5. SPECIAL JURY AWARD: Holy Cow by Louise Courvoiser.

6. BEST DEBUT FEATURE FILM OF A DIRECTOR: Familiar Touch by Sarah Friedland.  

7. BEST DEBUT DIRECTOR OF INDIAN FEATURE FILM: Gharat Ganpati by Navjyot Bandiwadekar.

8. BEST OTT WEB SERIES AWARD: Lampan by Nipun Dharmadhikari and Chinamay Kelkar.

9. ICFT-UNSECO GANDHI MEDAL: Crossing by Levan Akin (Swedish).

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