Lithuanian filmmaker Saulė Bliuvaitė’s drama “Toxic” won the prestigious Best Film award at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) held in Goa. The jury, led by renowned Indian director Ashutosh Gowariker, praised the film for its sensitive depiction of adolescence and the economic struggles faced by young people.
“Toxic” has already garnered acclaim at other festivals, including winning the Golden Leopard for Best Film at the Locarno International Film Festival. It also received the top prize in the First Feature Competition, a rare double recognition.
Variety described “Toxic” as a film that balances somber themes with moments of tenderness and humor, highlighting the development of female friendship in challenging circumstances. The film alternates between calmness and dynamic movement, reflecting the protagonist’s fluctuating sense of identity.
At IFFI, Romanian director Bogdan Muresanu received the Best Director award for his film “The New Year That Never Came,” which weaves together multiple narratives set against a revolutionary backdrop. The jury commended Muresanu for his ability to create a tragicomedy amid social turmoil.
The Best Actor award went to Clément Faveau for his role in the French film “Holy Cow,” directed by Louise Courvoisier. The jury also recognized Adam Bessa for his performance in “Who Do I Belong To?” with a special mention. In a unique joint recognition, Vesta Matulytė and Ieva Rupeikaitė, stars of “Toxic,” shared the Best Actress award for their debut performances.
“Holy Cow” was also honored with the Special Jury Award, while Sarah Friedland’s “Familiar Touch” was named Best Debut Feature. The ICFT International Film Prize with UNESCO Gandhi Medal was awarded to Levan Akin’s “Crossing,” which tells the story of an elderly Georgian woman’s search for her missing niece in Istanbul.
The international jury included filmmakers Anthony Chen, producers Elizabeth Karlsen and Fran Borgia, and editor Jill Bilcock, alongside chair Gowariker.
Navjyot Bandiwadekar won the Best Debut Director of an Indian Feature Film Award for his Marathi-language film “Gharat Ganpati.”
Acclaimed Australian director Phillip Noyce received the IFFI Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award during the festival’s closing ceremony.
In addition, SonyLIV’s “Lampan,” directed by Nipun Dharmadhikari, won IFFI’s Best Web Series award.
The festival, organized by India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC), concluded its 2024 edition on November 28. The concurrent project market Film Bazaar took place from November 20 to 24.
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