PANAJI
The 55th edition of IFFI has revealed the nominees for the ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal, an international award presented in collaboration with ICFT and UNESCO.
The award celebrates films that reflect Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals of non-violence, tolerance, and social harmony while promoting peace and intercultural dialogue.
This year, ten films have been shortlisted, each representing diverse regions and cultures but united by a commitment to Gandhian values.
A distinguished jury, including figures such as Isabelle Danel and Serge Michel, will evaluate the films based on ethical depth, artistic excellence, and their impact on audiences, especially youth.
2024 nominees
- Crossing (Sweden) – A drama about Istanbul’s transgender community, directed by Levan Akin, winner of the Teddy Jury Award at Berlin 2024.
- For Rana (Iran) – Iman Yazdi’s debut film about a couple’s fight to secure a heart transplant for their daughter, premiered at Busan 2024.
- Lesson Learned (Hungary) – Bálint Szimler’s debut critiques Hungary’s educational crisis through the eyes of a troubled child, praised at Locarno 2024.
- Meeting With Pol Pot (Cambodia) – A drama by Rithy Panh, focusing on French journalists confronting Pol Pot’s regime, screened at Cannes 2024.
- Satu – Year of the Rabbit (Laos) – Joshua Trigg’s debut follows an abandoned child’s journey of survival, presented at Raindance 2024.
- Transamazonia (South Africa) – Pia Marais’ film explores environmental justice in the Brazilian Amazon, screened at Locarno and Toronto 2024.
- Unsinkable (Denmark) – A thriller about the 1981 RF2 tragedy, exploring grief and family dynamics.
- Aamar Boss (Bengal) – A Bengali film about a mother-son duo facing hardship.
- Juiphool (India) – A film about two mothers amidst northeastern India’s border conflicts.
- Srikanth (India) – A biographical drama about Srikanth Bolla’s journey as a visually impaired entrepreneur.
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 honoured with a certificate and the iconic Gandhi Medal.
