IFFI, 2024, 09: In an era of wars & super violent films, let’s talk about Mahatma Gandhi & peace

ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal, a global award presented in partnership with (International Council for Film, Television and Audio-visual Communication (ICFT)/ Conseil International Du Cinéma, de la Télévision et de la Communication Audiovisuelle (CICT), Paris and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), will have 10 films competing for it. This award celebrates films that embody the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, particularly non-violence, tolerance, and social harmony, while promoting inter-cultural dialogue and peace. The 55^th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), which will run from the 20^th to the 28^th November, has officially unveiled the ten nominees for the prestigious award.

When the General Conference of UNESCO was held in New Delhi, in 1956, the project of establishing an International Institute of Cinema and Television, presented by Professor Mario Verdone, Head of the Italian Delegation was approved. The project was entrusted to Jean Benoit-Levy, filmmaker and honorary director of the United Nations Cinema, assisted by a group of twelve international experts. The Constitutional Charter of the ICFT was signed on the 23rd of October 1958, and the leading federations and associations working in the field of audiovisual media became the founding members of the ICFT.

Each film represents different regions, cultures, and genres, yet united by their commitment to Gandhian principles. A distinguished jury, which includes prominent figures from the world of cinema and communication, 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 Xue Yan 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.

A list and synopsis of the films that will be screened at IFFI Goa, for the delegates, media and the jury are:

 1. Crossing

Swedish director Levan Akin, renowned for And Then We Danced (2019), presents a poignant drama exploring Istanbul's trans=gender 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.

 2. For Ra Na

Iranian filmmaker Iman Yazdi's (Yazd is a town in Iran) debut film, which premiered at the Busan International Film Festival earlier this year, follows the heart-breaking 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.

 3. Lesson Learnt (Fekete Pont)

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.

 4. Meeting With Pol Pot (Rendez-Vous avec Pol Pot)

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. Pol Pot was a dictator, and leading the action his hair-raising doings was the USA military. It was screened at Cannes 2024, and received critical acclaim for its emotional depth and historical accuracy.

 5. Satu – Year of the Rabbit

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. Interestingly 'Satu' means 'one' in Malaya and Indonesian languages, but to find out what Satu means in the film, watch it at Goa

 6. Ransamazonia

South African filmmaker Pia Marais brings to life an atmospheric drama set in the Brazilian Amazon. The film follows a healer fighting to protect her indigenous community from illegal loggers, showcasing the intersection of environmental and social justice. It was screened at the Locarno and Toronto Film Festivals 2024.

 7. Unsinkable (Synkefri)

A thrilling Danish film by Christian Andersen (not to be confused with Hans Christian Anderson, the fable and tale writer of ages ago), based on the real-life 1981 RF2 tragedy. Unsinkable follows Henrik’s investigation into his father's involvement in the disaster, offering a gripping exploration of grief, guilt, and family dynamics.

 8. Aamar Boss

A heartwarming Indian Bengali film by Nandita Roy and Shiboprosad Mukherjee, which marks the return of legendary actress Rakhee Gulzar after 20 years. Raakhee's ex-husband is Gulzar and her daughter, Meghna, is a film-maker. This film tells the touching story of a mother and son facing financial hardship and exploring the complexities of family and ambition. Aamar means My', 'Mine' or 'Ours' in Bengali, and Tomar is 'your,' 'yours'.

 9. Juiphool

Assamese filmmaker and actor Jadumoni Dutta’s National Award-winning feature depicts the bond between two mothers amid the violent border conflicts in northeastern India. The film explores the personal and social dimensions of conflict, compassion, and motherhood.

10. Srikanth

Directed by Tushar Hiranandani, this biographical drama stars Rajkummar Rao and Alaya F. It follows the inspiring true story of Srikanth Bolla, a visually impaired entrepreneur who defied all odds to attend MIT and become a success in the business world. If you likes Andhadhun, wherein Ayushman Khurana played a blind man, you must see this one. It has and impeccable performance by Rajkumarr Rao

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