Lithuanian Film ‘Toxic’ Wins Golden Peacock at IFFI 2024
Lithuanian film “Toxic” won the Golden Peacock at IFFI 2024, acclaimed for its sensitivity and coming-of-age narrative. Vesta Matulytė and Ieva Rupeikaitė received Best Actor (Female) honors for their performances in the film. The festival featured over 180 international films and honored notable filmmakers including Phillip Noyce and Bogdan Muresanu, with the latter winning Best Director for his film about the Romanian revolution.
At the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) held in Goa, the Lithuanian drama film “Toxic,” directed by Saulė Bliuvaitė, was awarded the prestigious Golden Peacock. The jury, led by esteemed Indian filmmaker Ashutosh Gowarikar, recognized the film’s profound sensitivity and empathy, highlighting its coming-of-age story set against a challenging social and physical environment. In addition to the Golden Peacock, the Best Actor (Female) award was shared by Vesta Matulytė and Ieva Rupeikaitė for their outstanding performances in the film.
The festival concluded after showcasing an impressive lineup of over 180 international films from 81 countries, including 15 world premieres. Bogdan Muresanu received the Best Director Award for “New Year That Never Came,” which reflects on the Romanian revolution of 1989. Renowned Australian director Phillip Noyce was honored with the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award for his significant contributions to cinema. Noyce emphasized the importance of evolving filmmaking practices, stating that “as technology evolves, so must we. Let movies become smaller and ideas get bigger. That, I believe, is the future of cinema.”
The festival also recognized the film “CROSSING” by Swedish filmmaker Levan Akin, which secured the ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal for its exceptional narrative on love and understanding. Additionally, Bandiwadekar was awarded the Best Debut Director of an Indian Feature Film for his Marathi creation, “Gharat Ganpati.”
This year’s IFFI celebrated the artistic efforts of filmmakers from around the world and provided a platform for emerging voices in cinema, concluding with a rich tapestry of film narratives that engage and provoke thought.
The International Film Festival of India, established to promote the art of cinema, provides a prestigious platform for filmmakers globally. It awards notable films annually, such as the Golden Peacock, which recognizes exceptional storytelling and technical achievement. In recent years, the festival has highlighted the impacts of social themes in films, particularly those addressing the struggles and complexities faced during adolescence. Furthermore, notable accolades, such as the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrate contributions by filmmakers who have significantly shaped cinema both nationally and internationally.
The recognition of “Toxic” at IFFI reflects the film’s artistic merit and its poignant exploration of adolescence in a challenging socio-economic context. The festival also highlighted noteworthy contributions from various filmmakers, emphasizing the evolving landscape of cinema. Through such prestigious awards and engagements, IFFI continues to play a vital role in the international film narrative, celebrating diverse voices and stories.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
