IFFI 52, 044: Lingui, The Sacred Bonds propagates Gandhian ideals of peace, tolerance and non-violence

Lingui, The Sacred Bonds - an internationally co-produced drama film recounting the story of the sacred relationship between a mother and daughter, and their survival against the harsh laws set by men – won the ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal at IFFI 52. It was an official selection in the competition section at the Cannes Film Festival, 2021.

The film is a bold portrayal of female struggle and a lesson in humanity. The film was co-produced by Belgium-France-Germany and was made in Arabic and French.

Directed by Chad film-maker Mahamat-Saleh Haroun, Lingui was selected for the prestigious award for promoting the values and ideals of peace, tolerance and non-violence, propagated by Mahatma Gandhi.

Through this work of art, film-maker Mahamat-Saleh Haroun presents an ode to all women who struggle to live in a patriarchal society, set according to the whims of men. It also raises awareness of gender issues and fundamental right to education of women.

The film is also selected as the Chadian entry for the Best International Feature Film to the 94th Academy Awards (Oscars), 2022.

This year, nine films from across the globe were chosen to compete for the ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal. They were: 21st Tiffin (India), Commitment Hassan (Turkey), Killing the Eunuch Khan (Iran), Koozhangal (India), Lingui-The Sacred Bonds (Chad, France, Belgium, Germany), Night Forest (Germany), Niraye Thathakalulla Maram (India), Tokyo Shaking (France) and When Pomegranates Howl (Australia, Afghanistan).

Every year, at IFFI, ICFT-Paris and UNESCO come together to present the Gandhi medal to one film. The films competing for the ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Award are screened at IFFI first and then, the ICFT jury evaluates the films based on the ideals of UNESCO.

UNESCO issued a commemorative medal in 1994, marking the 125th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi. Since then, the ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Award is being given to a film that best reflects Mahatma Gandhi's ideals of peace, tolerance and non-violence.