IFFI 2023: The 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa concluded on November 28 with an award ceremony held at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Panaji. Among the 15 films competing for the prestigious Golden Peacock, which included 12 international and 3 Indian films, ‘Endless Borders’ emerged as the winner.
Iranian actor Pouria Rahimi Sam received the Best Actor award for his role in the film.
IFFI 2023
Notably, ‘Kantara’ made history as the first Kannada film to be honored at IFFI. Rishab Shetty, the actor, and filmmaker of the pan-Indian blockbuster, received the Special Jury Award. The Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed upon the legendary Hollywood actor and producer Michael Douglas. Additionally, ‘Panchayat Season 2’ secured the Best Web Series Award.
The closing film, ‘The Featherweight,’ had its Asia premiere at the 54th IFFI in Goa. The American film, directed by Robert Kolodny, marked the festival’s conclusion today.
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IFFI 2023 Winners
Check out the winners of IFFI 2023:
Golden Peacock Best Film: ‘Endless Borders’
The top accolade, Best Film, was bestowed upon the Persian movie “Endless Borders,” helmed by director Abbas Amini. This cinematic piece unfolds against the backdrop of an Iranian teacher’s journey amidst the tumult sparked by the Taliban’s ascent in Afghanistan.
Exploring themes of prejudice, moral quandaries, and forbidden love, the film received acclaim from the jury for its remarkable capacity to surpass both physical and emotional boundaries. Director Abbas Amini was commended for his brave and compelling storytelling.
Best Actor-Male: Pouria Rahimi Sam in ‘Endless Borders’
Pouria Rahimi Sam clinched the title of Best Actor for his outstanding portrayal in “Endless Borders.” The jury praised his exceptional acting and ability to connect with fellow cast members, both young and old, amidst demanding filming situations.
Rahimi Sam’s nuanced depiction of Ahmad, an exiled Iranian teacher navigating through ethnic conflicts and forbidden love, struck a chord with the jury, earning him the well-deserved recognition.
Best Actor (Female): Melanie Thierry in ‘Party of Fools’
French actress Melanie Thierry received the Silver Peacock for Best Actress (Female) for her role in Party of Fools. The jury praised her for portraying a character whose various expressions skillfully conveyed a spectrum of emotions, from hope to despair, throughout the character’s tumultuous journey.
Best Director: Stephan Komandarev for ‘Blaga’s Lessons’
Bulgarian filmmaker Stephan Komandarev secured the Silver Peacock for Best Director with his film “Blaga’s Lessons.” This compelling movie delves into the challenges of moral decision-making when confronted with deception.
The story revolves around Blaga, a widow whose sense of right and wrong is tested when she becomes a target of telephone scammers. The film sheds light on the precarious situations faced by today’s elderly in post-communist Bulgaria.
Special Jury Award: Rishab Shetty for ‘Kantara’
Rishabh Shetty, both an actor and director, earned the Special Jury Award for his work on Kantara. The jury commended Rishabh for skillfully conveying a significant story. Kantara, set in a fictional village with its unique culture of forest demons, manages to connect with audiences irrespective of their cultural background or social standing.
The film delves into the ideological clash between humanity and nature, offering a powerful message amid the tension between traditional values and modernity.
Best Debutant Director: Reger Azad Kaya for the Syrian-Arab Republic film ‘When the Seedlings Grow’
Reger Azad Kaya was honored with the Best Debut Feature Film Director Award for his work on “When the Seedlings Grow.” The film skillfully captures a day in the lives of a father, daughter, and a lost boy through a series of small events, earning praise from the jury.
It tells an intimate story that not only explores the characters but also reflects the challenges faced by the country. This recognition adds a unique charm to the film, making it even more special. Congratulations to ‘When the Seedlings Grow’ for achieving the prestigious Best Debutant Director award.
Best Web Series: ‘Panchayat Season 2’
Panchayat Season 2 recently clinched the inaugural Best Web Series (OTT) Award at IFFI. The series unfolds the story of a young engineering graduate who becomes a Panchayat secretary in the fictional village of Phulera, Uttar Pradesh, due to limited job prospects.
Crafted by The Viral Fever (TVF) exclusively for Amazon Prime Video, the show is helmed by director Deepak Kumar Mishra and features a stellar cast including Jitendra Kumar, Raghubir Yadav, Neena Gupta, Sanvikaa, Chandan Roy, Durgesh Kumar, Ashok Pathak, Faisal Malik, and Sunita Rajwar in key roles.
Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award: Michael Douglas
At the closing ceremony of the film festival, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana jointly awarded the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award 2023 to the renowned Hollywood figure, Michael Douglas. During his acceptance speech, Michael Douglas expressed gratitude and acknowledged the influential work of Satyajit Ray.
He went on to share the honor with PM Narendra Modi and Anurag Thakur, the Minister of Information and Broadcasting. Reflecting on the significance of the award, Douglas humbly recognized the esteemed group of past recipients, emphasizing Ray’s role in exemplifying global filmmaking excellence.
In his address, Michael highlighted the impact of Satyajit Ray’s films, not only as a testament to the success of the Indian film industry but also as a showcase of the potential for cross-cultural artistic expression. Amidst the challenges faced by the world today, the festival served as a reminder of the enchantment of filmmaking.
Drawing on his extensive experience in the industry, Douglas emphasized the unique ability of cinema to unite and transform people, revealing our shared humanity. He concluded by underscoring the heightened significance of the global language of cinema in the present era.
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IFFI 2023 FAQs
Q.1. What is IFFI 2023?
Ans. IFFI 2023 refers to the 54th International Film Festival of India, which took place in Goa and concluded on November 28.
Q.2. Where was the award ceremony held?
Ans. The award ceremony took place at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Panaji.
Q.3. How many films competed for the Golden Peacock at IFFI 2023?
Ans. There were 15 films in total, with 12 being international films and 3 being Indian films.
Q.4. Which film won the prestigious Golden Peacock?
Ans. ‘Endless Borders’ emerged as the winner of the Golden Peacock at IFFI 2023.
Q.5. Who received the Best Actor award at IFFI 2023?
Ans. Iranian actor Pouria Rahimi Sam received the Best Actor award for his role in ‘Endless Borders.’
