Delhi, Nov 12:The 55th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) has officially unveiled the nominees for the prestigious ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal, a global award presented in partnership with (International Council for Film, Television and Audiovisual Communication (ICFT) Paris and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This accolade celebrates films that embody the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi particularly non-violence, tolerance, and social harmony while promoting intercultural dialogue and peace.
This year, ten remarkable films have been shortlisted for the award, each representing different regions, cultures, and genres, yet united by their commitment to Gandhian principles. A distinguished jury, which includes prominent figures such as Isabelle Danel (Honorary President of FIPRESCI - International Federation of Film Critics), Serge Michel (Vice President of CICT-ICFT), Maria Cristina Iglesias (former head of UNESCO’s Cultural Sector Programme), Dr. Ahmed Bedjaoui (Artistic Director of the Algiers International Film Festival), and Xueyan Hun (Platform for Creativity and Innovation, CICT-ICFT youth branch), will evaluate these films based on their ethical depth, artistic excellence, and capacity to engage and educate audiences, particularly youth.
The Nominees for the ICFT UNESCO Gandhi Medal 2024 are:
Swedish director Levan Akin, renowned for And Then We Danced (2019), presents a poignant drama exploring Istanbul's transgender community. The film navigates themes of class, gender, and sexuality through the journey of Lia, a retired teacher, in search of her niece Tekla. With an emphasis on kinship and transformation, the film won the Teddy Jury Award at the Berlin International Film Festival 2024.
Iranian filmmaker Iman Yazdi's debut film, which premiered at the Busan International Film Festival 2024, follows the heartbreaking story of a couple struggling to secure a heart transplant for their daughter, raising profound questions of love, loss, and the ethics of medical choices.
A powerful debut by Hungarian director Bálint Szimler, Lesson Learned critiques Hungary’s educational crisis through the eyes of a troubled child. Praised for its sharp social commentary, the film received accolades at the Locarno International Film Festival, 2024.
A reflective drama by Cambodian filmmaker Rithy Panh, inspired by Elizabeth Becker’s “When the War Was Over.” The film follows three French journalists confronting the horrors of Pol Pot's regime in 1978 Cambodia. It was screened at Cannes 2024 and received critical acclaim for its emotional depth and historical accuracy.
Award-winning debut by Joshua Trigg from the Raindance Film Festival 2024, set in Laos. This poignant story of an abandoned child searching for his mother explores themes of survival, friendship, and resilience.