The Jury for the International Competition category at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2024 addressed the media in Goa. This year’s festival has convened an esteemed Golden Peacock Jury to determine winners across key categories, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor (Male), Best Actor (Female), and the Special Jury Prize. Led by acclaimed Indian filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker, the jury comprises a distinguished panel of international cinema experts.

The Jury Panel includes following members:

Anthony Chen, Singaporean director
Elizabeth Karlsen, British American producer
Fran Borgia, Spanish producer
Jill Billock, Australian film editor
The festival’s Golden Peacock Award winner will receive a prize of ₹40 lakhs along with one of the festival’s top honours. A total of 15 films (a mix of 12 international and 3 Indian films) have been selected for this prestigious competition, representing a rich diversity of cultures and cinematic artistry.

Ashutosh Gowariker, Chairman of the Jury, expressed his enthusiasm for Goa’s vibrant atmosphere and the opportunity to experience the festival up close. He highlighted the unique camaraderie among jury members, noting their shared taste in films. The selection process, he explained, went beyond technical expertise, focusing on emotional resonance, originality, and creativity. Gowariker emphasized that great films provide fresh perspectives, enabling audiences to learn and grow by engaging with diverse cultures.

Gowariker also pointed out that while comparing films can be difficult, the nature of the award is to select one film that stands out. He spoke about the dynamic conversations within the jury, noting that their different perspectives added depth to the discussions, especially when exploring cultural differences and emotional aspects of the films.

Elizabeth Karlsen spoke about the importance of storytelling that transcends borders, noting that great stories and ideas have the power to cross boundaries, regardless of political borders. She highlighted the emotional and cultural resonance of the films, with many offering insights into individual triumphs against oppression. Karlsen also noted the incredible increase in films by debut or second time directors, particularly those about women, which she viewed as an empowering and positive shift in global cinema.

Anthony Chen shared his personal connection to the festival, recalling the honour of one of his films winning the ICFT UNESCO Gandhi Medal at IFFI. Reflecting on the challenges of filmmaking, he described it as a journey often marked by self-doubt and constant questioning. Yet, he highlighted the power of great films to forge a universal emotional connection with audiences. For Chen, cinema is a dynamic conversation between the writer, director, and editor, with the script continually evolving during filming and editing.

Fran Borgia also praised the enriching discussions among the jury members and noted how watching films from around the world allowed them to explore different cultures and perspectives. He reflected on the diversity of the films, which ranged from deeply personal stories to those reflecting broader social issues.

Shri Dharmendra Tiwari moderated the Press Conference.

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