Lithuanian film Toxic triumphed with the coveted Golden Peacock for Best Film, while Romanian director Bogdan Muresanu claimed the Silver Peacock for Best Director for The New Year That Never Came, at the 55th International Film Festival of India that concluded in Goa today evening.
Romanian Director Bogdan Muresanu was honoured with the Best Director award for his exceptional work in the Romanian film The New Year that Never Came. Awarded to the most outstanding director from the International Competition category
Bogdan Muresanu received a Silver Peacock Trophy and a cash prize of Rs. 15,00,000 along with a certificate.
The Jury particularly admired the film’s exquisite production design, mise-en-scène, and metaphors that brought the period to life, as well as the stunning ensemble performances.
Clément Faveau took home the Best Actor (Male) award for his nuanced and captivating portrayal in the French film Holy Cow. His performance resonated deeply with the Jury, showcasing his remarkable ability to bring authenticity and depth to his character.
Clément Faveau is awarded the Best Actor (Male), “For his incredibly natural performance, expressing the emotional ups and downs, while traversing from innocence to maturity.” – cited the Jury.
The Jury also issued a Special Mention to Adam Bessa for his incredibly natural performance in ‘Who do I belong to?’ Bessa’s portrayal of Bilal was lauded for its emotional depth, transitioning seamlessly from innocence to maturity.
Citation of the Jury: “The Jury would also like to make a SPECIAL MENTION for the studied and restrained performance by Adam
Bessa for his portrayal of Bilal, in the Tunisian film, WHO DO I BELONG TO.”
The Best Actress award was jointly given to Vesta Matulytė and Ieva Rupeikaitė
“For the extraordinary performances by its two debut making actresses – Vesta Matulyte and Ieva Rupeikaitė – who pushed themselves to their physical and emotional limits in creating the unforgettable characters of Marija and Kristina,” the Jury cited.
French Director Louise Courvoisier received the Special Jury Award for her debut film Holy Cow. The Jury praised the film for its universal theme, focusing on the transition from adolescence to adulthood.
The film deserves a Special Jury Award, “For creating a universal story on her debut, about what happens when a fun-loving teenager is suddenly thrown into adulthood and has to step up and take control of his life,” the Jury cited.
American Director Sarah Friedland was awarded the Best Debut Feature Film award for her poignant narrative Familiar Touch. This award highlights promising new talent in global cinema. Sarah Friedland received a Silver Peacock Trophy, a certificate, and a cash prize of Rs. 10,00,000.
“In her narrative feature directorial debut, Sarah Friedland creates a poignant story that informs us that we are all constantly coming-of-age and the importance of love and caregiving, especially in old age,” the Jury cited.
The Jury for the International Competition at IFFI 2024 consisted of five esteemed members: Ashutosh Gowariker (Jury Chairperson); Singaporean director Anthony Chen, British-American producer Elizabeth Karlsen, Spanish producer Fran Borgia, and legendary Australian Film editor Jill Bilcock.
Check out their interaction with the media during a Press Conference at IFFI here.
15 films including 12 international and 3 Indian films competed for the coveted Golden Peacock. Check out the nominees here.
