The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), beginning on November 20, 2024, will showcase ten films from around the world in the race for the ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal. This prestigious award is presented to films that promote the values of peace, non-violence, and social harmony, ideals championed by Mahatma Gandhi.
This year’s competition includes diverse films, covering themes of love, resilience, social issues, and human rights. Among the nominees is the Iranian film 'For Rana' by Iman Yazdi, a heartfelt story about a couple seeking a heart transplant for their daughter. Hungarian director Bálint Szimler’s 'Lesson Learned' shines a light on Hungary's education crisis through the eyes of a young child.
Rithy Panh’s 'Meeting With Pol Pot' from Cambodia reflects on the horrors of Pol Pot's rule, as seen by French journalists in 1978. In India, the Bengali film 'Aamar Boss' by Nandita Roy and Shiboprosad Mukherjee marks the return of veteran actress Rakhee Gulzar, exploring family bonds amidst financial challenges. Assamese director Jadumoni Dutta’s 'Juiphool' addresses border conflicts and the universal bond of motherhood.
The Indian biographical drama 'Srikanth', directed by Tushar Hiranandani, tells the inspiring story of Srikanth Bolla, a visually impaired entrepreneur who overcame obstacles to achieve success. Joshua Trigg’s 'Satu – Year of the Rabbit' from Laos presents a moving story of an abandoned child’s journey to find his mother.
Swedish director Levan Akin’s 'Crossing' explores Istanbul's transgender community through the perspective of a retired teacher searching for her niece. Additional films from Denmark and South Africa complete the lineup for this year's ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal competition.
The ICFT-UNESCO award at IFFI celebrates films that inspire peace and understanding, providing audiences a unique opportunity to engage with powerful, socially relevant stories from around the world.
