The 55th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) has officially unveiled the nominees for the prestigious ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal, a global award presented in partnership with (International Council for Film, Television and Audiovisual Communication (ICFT) Paris and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This accolade celebrates films that embody the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi particularly non-violence, tolerance, and social harmony while promoting intercultural dialogue and peace.

This year, ten remarkable films have been shortlisted for the award, each representing different regions, cultures, and genres, yet united by their commitment to Gandhian principles. A distinguished jury, which includes prominent figures such as Isabelle Danel (Honorary President of FIPRESCI – International Federation of Film Critics), Serge Michel (Vice President of CICT-ICFT), Maria Cristina Iglesias (former head of UNESCO’s Cultural Sector Programme), Dr. Ahmed Bedjaoui (Artistic Director of the Algiers International Film Festival), and Xueyan Hun (Platform for Creativity and Innovation, CICT-ICFT youth branch), will evaluate these films based on their ethical depth, artistic excellence, and capacity to engage and educate audiences, particularly youth.

The Nominees for the ICFT UNESCO Gandhi Medal 2024 are:

Crossing
Swedish director Levan Akin, renowned for And Then We Danced (2019), presents a poignant drama exploring Istanbul’s transgender community. The film navigates themes of class, gender, and sexuality through the journey of Lia, a retired teacher, in search of her niece Tekla. With an emphasis on kinship and transformation, the film won the Teddy Jury Award at the Berlin International Film Festival 2024.

For Rana
Iranian filmmaker Iman Yazdi’s debut film, which premiered at the Busan International Film Festival 2024, follows the heartbreaking story of a couple struggling to secure a heart transplant for their daughter, raising profound questions of love, loss, and the ethics of medical choices.

Lesson Learned (Fekete Pont)
A powerful debut by Hungarian director Bálint Szimler, Lesson Learned critiques Hungary’s educational crisis through the eyes of a troubled child. Praised for its sharp social commentary, the film received accolades at the Locarno International Film Festival, 2024.

Meeting With Pol Pot (Rendez-Vous avec Pol Pot)
A reflective drama by Cambodian filmmaker Rithy Panh, inspired by Elizabeth Becker’s “When the War Was Over.” The film follows three French journalists confronting the horrors of Pol Pot’s regime in 1978 Cambodia. It was screened at Cannes 2024 and received critical acclaim for its emotional depth and historical accuracy.

Satu – Year of the Rabbit
Award-winning debut by Joshua Trigg from the Raindance Film Festival 2024, set in Laos. This poignant story of an abandoned child searching for his mother explores themes of survival, friendship, and resilience.

Transamazonia
South African filmmaker Pia Marais brings to life an atmospheric drama set in the Brazilian Amazon. The film follows a healer fighting to protect her indigenous community from illegal loggers, showcasing the intersection of environmental and social justice. It was screened at the Locarno and Toronto Film Festivals 2024.

Unsinkable (Synkefri)
A thrilling Danish film by Christian Andersen, based on the real-life 1981 RF2 tragedy. Unsinkable follows Henrik’s investigation into his father’s involvement in the disaster, offering a gripping exploration of grief, guilt, and family dynamics.

Aamar Boss
A heartwarming Bengali film by Nandita Roy and Shiboprosad Mukherjee, which marks the return of legendary actress Rakhee Gulzar after 20 years. This film tells the touching story of a mother and son facing financial hardship and exploring the complexities of family and ambition.

Juiphool
Assamese filmmaker and actor Jadumoni Dutta’s National Award-winning feature depicts the bond between two mothers amid the violent border conflicts in northeastern India. The film explores the personal and social dimensions of conflict, compassion, and motherhood.

Srikanth
Directed by Tushar Hiranandani, this biographical drama stars Rajkummar Rao and Alaya F. It follows the inspiring true story of Srikanth Bolla, a visually impaired entrepreneur who defied all odds to attend MIT and become a success in the business world.

About ICFT UNESCO Gandhi Medal

Launched during the 46th IFFI, the ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal honours films that not only hold high artistic and cinematic standards but also encourage ethical reflection on society’s most pressing issues. The award was created to foster a deeper understanding of humanity’s shared values through the transformative power of cinema.

The ICFT UNESCO Gandhi Medal is more than just an award; it is a celebration of the power of film to inspire, educate, and unite. The winner of the ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal will be announced at the closing ceremony of IFFI 2024 in Goa, where the award recipient will be honored with a certificate and the iconic Gandhi Medal.

For more information, please visit https://iffigoa.org/

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Ajay KR