In the curtains down grand finale of the International Film Festival Of India (IFFI Goa 2016) it was Iranian filmmaker Reza Mirkarimi’s Daughter which bagged the prestigious “Golden Peacock” Award for the “Best Film” at the gala closing ceremony of the 47th International Film Festival of India in Goa. Mirkarimi got Rs 40 lakhs (Rs 4 mn) in cash prize for Director & Producer, the Trophy & a certificate.
Daughter was a family drama set in Southern Iran that tells the story of a young girl who leaves her hometown for a half a day trip to Tehran without the permission of her strict father to attend a close friend’s farewell party. On her way back hazy weather changes all she had planned.
Daughter had also won the “Best Film” award in the Moscow International Film Festival earlier this year.
Iranian actor Farhad Aslani bagged the “Best Actor” award for his portrayal of the strict father in the same film Daughter, picking up the Silver Peacock & Rs 10 lakhs (Rs 1 mn) in cash prize.
The “Best Director” award went to the Turkish Director Baris Kaya for his film
Rauf. The film is a unique love story of a search under the shade of war and in tough natural conditions. The film is known for its pink hue, which is also the colour of love. Director Baris Kaya & Producer Soner Caner got Rs 15 lakhs (Rs 1.5 mn) in cash award, a citation & the Silver Peacock Trophy.
Elina Vaska bagged the “Best Actress” award for her portrayal of a 17 year old lonely girl in the Latvian film Mellow Mud. She walked away with the Silver Peacock Trophy & Rs 10 lakhs (Rs 1 mn) in cash prize.
The South Korean historic drama The Throne directed by Lee Jon – ik bagged the Special Jury Award comprising of Silver Peacock & a cash prize of Rs 15 lakhs (Rs 1.5 mn). The film set in 1762 during the Joseon dynasty explores the dilemma of the King in penalizing the Crown Prince and his own son for treason.
Pepa San Martin’s Spanish film from Argentina / Chile Rara bagged the Centenary Award for “Best Debut Feature Film”, carrying a Silver Peacock Trophy & a cash prize of Rs 10 lakhs (Rs 1 mn). It tells the story of a 13 year old girl as she begins to grow up.
Sanskrit film Ishti, Georgian film House Of Others, Czech entry I Olga Hepnarova
According To Her, Polish film The Last Family, Spanish film The Long Night Of Francisco Sanctis, French film Nelly, Arabic film Personal Affairs, Romanian film Scarred Hearts, Russian film The Student & Bengali film Sahaj Pather Gappo were also in the International Competition Section.
The international jury for IFFI 2016 had acclaimed writer – director Ivan Passer as the chairperson with Larry Smith, Lordan Zafranovic, Nagesh Kukunoor, Leila Kilani as members.
ICFT – UNESCO Gandhi Medal The ICFT –UNESCO Gandhi Medal was awarded to Turkish film maker Mustafa Kara’s Cold Of Kalandar. This award, instituted by the International Council for Film & Television, Paris & UNESCO is given to a film that portrays the Gandhian values of peace & harmony. Kara’s Cold Of Kalandar, set in a mountain village in the Black Sea region is also Turkey’s official entry for “Best Foreign Language Film” category of Oscar Awards.
Canadian multi – lingual entry The Apology by Toronto based Tiffany Hsiung won the Special Mention under the ICFT -UNESCO Gandhi Medal competition.
In all 7 films, including T S Nagabharana’s Allama were in the fray for the ICFT -UNESCO Gandhi Medal.
The glittering closing ceremony witnessed musical performances composed by Sachin -Jigar. The maker of Telugu magnum opus Bahubali – The Beginning, S S Rajamouli was the Chief Guest of the closing ceremony.
Mridula Sinha, Governor of Goa, Laxmikant Parsekar, Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, Col. Rajyvardhan Rathore, Jury Chairperson Ivan Passer and other jury members, Subhah Ghai & Nana Patekar, and a number of other dignitaries were also present.
