The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) culminated in a glittering closing ceremony on November 28 at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, Goa. Over nine days, the prestigious event celebrated the art of filmmaking, showcasing more than 200 movies from 75 nations. With a stellar jury panel and numerous accolades, the festival highlighted exceptional talent across various cinematic disciplines.
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Vikrant Massey Shines as Personality of the Year
Actor Vikrant Massey, renowned for his remarkable performance in 12th Fail, was named the Personality of the Year. Expressing his gratitude, Massey stated, “This honor motivates me to continue telling impactful stories and to connect with audiences across the globe.” His portrayal in 12th Fail, a heartfelt narrative about perseverance and triumph, has cemented his status as one of Indian cinema’s finest talents.
Prestigious Recognitions at the Closing Ceremony
The IFFI jury, chaired by acclaimed filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker, included international cinema stalwarts Anthony Chen, Elizabeth Karlsen, Fran Borgia, and Jill Bilcock.
Together, they recognized excellence in a variety of categories, celebrating both established and emerging talents.
Notable Awards at the 55th IFFI
- Golden Peacock (Best Film):
The Lithuanian drama Toxic was awarded the Golden Peacock for its compelling storytelling and impactful themes. - Best Actress:
Toxic stars Vesta Matuliyte and Iva Rupeikaite jointly claimed the Best Actress award for their emotionally resonant performances. - Best Actor:
Clement Faveau’s portrayal in Holy Cow earned him the Best Actor award, showcasing his exceptional range and depth. - Best Director:
Romanian filmmaker Bogdan Muresanu was honored as Best Director for The New Year That Never Came, a poignant exploration of hope and resilience. - Special Jury Award:
Louise Courvoisier was recognized with the Special Jury Award for her role in Holy Cow. - Special Mention (Best Actor Male):
Adam Besa received a special mention for his role in Who Do I Belong To, which deeply resonated with audiences. - Best Web Series:
Lampan, a Marathi-language series, stood out as the Best Web Series for its innovative narrative and cultural depth. - Best Debut for Feature Film Director:
Sarah Friedland was celebrated for her debut direction in Familiar Touch, reflecting her promising future in cinema.
Celebrating Indian and Global Talent
The IFFI also spotlighted Indian filmmakers. Navjyot Bandivadekar received the Best Debut Director of Indian Feature Film award for his Marathi movie Gharat Ganpati, a poignant tale with local flavors.
The festival emphasized its commitment to global values by awarding the ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal to Swedish director Levan Akin for his film Crossing. This prestigious accolade recognizes works promoting peace, non-violence, and human rights.
Australian filmmaker Phillip Noyce was conferred the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating his illustrious contributions to international cinema. Accepting the honor, Noyce remarked, “Cinema transcends borders, and IFFI embodies this spirit by bringing storytellers and audiences together.”
A Global Platform for Cinema
This year’s IFFI served as a melting pot of creativity and collaboration. The festival not only honored cinematic excellence but also provided a platform for filmmakers to connect, exchange ideas, and celebrate the universal language of storytelling.
With Vikrant Massey taking center stage as the Personality of the Year and a host of deserving winners, the 55th IFFI reaffirmed its position as a premier event in the global film circuit. The festival’s enduring legacy continues to inspire generations of filmmakers and audiences alike.
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FAQs
Who won the Personality of the Year award at IFFI Goa 2024?
Actor Vikrant Massey received the Personality of the Year award.
Which film won the Golden Peacock (Best Film) award?
The Golden Peacock award went to the Lithuanian film Toxic.
Who received the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award?
Australian filmmaker Phillip Noyce was honored with this prestigious accolade.
What is the ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal, and who won it?
This medal is awarded to films promoting peace and human rights. Swedish filmmaker Levan Akin’s Crossing was the recipient this year.
