The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) concluded with a grand closing ceremony at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Goa on November 28. The nine-day event, which began on November 20, showcased over 200 films from over 75 countries.
The jury for the festival was headed by filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker (Swades, Laagan), and also included Singaporean director Anthony Chen (Ah Ma, Drift), producer Elizabeth Karlsen (On Chesil Beach, The Assessment), Spanish producer Fran Borgia (A Lullaby to the Sorrowful Mystery, A Yellow Bird), and editor Jill Bilcock (Muriel's Wedding, The Dressmaker).
Vikrant Massey, who recently starred in The Sabarmati Report, won the Personality of the Year award, while film director Phillip Noyce, known for his films like Patriot Games, Salt, and The Giver, bagged the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award.
Lithuanian film Toxic won the Golden Peacock award, given to the best film showcased at the event. The film follows the story of two teens who face the mental and physical pressures of modelling school. Directed by Saule Bliuvaite, the film stars Vesta Matulytė and Ieva Rupeikaitė.
Key awards
Personality of the Year: Vikrant Massey
Best Debut Director of Indian Feature Film: Navjyot Bandivadekar (Gharat Ganpati)
ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal: Levan Akin (Crossing)
Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award: Phillip Noyce
Complete list of winners
Golden Peacock (Best Film): Toxic (Lithuanian language)
Best Actress: Vesta Matuliyte and Iva Rupeikaite (Toxic)
Best Actor: Clement Faveau (Holy Cow)
Best Director: Bogdan Muresanu (The New Year That Never Came)
Special Jury Award: Louise Courvoisier (Holy Cow)
Special Mention (Best Actor Male): Adam Besa (Who Do I Belong To)
Best Web Series: Lampan (Marathi language)
Best Debut for Feature Film Director: Sarah Friedland (Familiar Touch)