Lithuanian Film ‘Toxic’ Wins Golden Peacock at IFFI 2024
The Lithuanian film “Toxic” won the Golden Peacock at IFFI 2024 for its exploration of adolescence in a struggling societal backdrop. Directed by Saulė Bliuvaitė, it was praised for its sensitivity and empathy. Vesta Matulytė and Ieva Rupeikaitė won Best Actress for their roles. The festival recognized Phillip Noyce with the Lifetime Achievement Award and showcased over 180 films from 81 countries.
At the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) held in Goa, the Lithuanian film “Toxic,” directed by Saulė Bliuvaitė, was honored with the prestigious Golden Peacock award. A jury led by acclaimed Indian filmmaker Ashutosh Gowarikar selected the film from a competitive pool of 15 entries, which included three Indian films. The award, which carries a financial prize of ₹40 lakh, recognizes the film’s profound exploration of adolescence amidst the challenges posed by an economically impoverished backdrop.
The jury commended “Toxic” for its exceptional sensitivity and empathy, emphasizing its ability to depict the stark realities of growing up in a struggling society. Additionally, the Best Actor (Female) award was jointly awarded to Vesta Matulytė and Ieva Rupeikaitė for their remarkable performances in the film. In other notable recognitions, Bogdan Muresanu received the Best Director award for his film “New Year That Never Came,” which addresses the Romanian revolution in 1989.
The festival also celebrated renowned Australian director Phillip Noyce, who was given the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to cinema. In his acceptance remarks, Noyce acknowledged the substantial impact of Indian cinema on the global stage, highlighting India’s position as the largest producer of feature films annually. He further reflected on the evolving nature of filmmaking, stating, “We must once again turn to Satyajit Ray’s cinematic philosophy: Less is more. As technology evolves, so must we. Let movies become smaller and Ideas get bigger. That, I believe, is the future of cinema.”
Additionally, the Swedish film “CROSSING,” directed by Levan Akin, was awarded the ICFT – UNESCO Gandhi Medal, celebrated for its powerful narrative about love and understanding. The eight-day festival concluded having showcased over 180 international films from 81 countries, offering a platform for both premieres and new talent in the cinematic arts.
The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is one of the most prominent film festivals in Asia, providing a significant platform for filmmakers to showcase their works. The festival, established in 1952, aims to promote cinema as an art form and foster cultural exchange among nations. Each year, the event attracts filmmakers and audiences from around the globe, showcasing a diverse array of films and recognizing outstanding talents through various awards, including the prestigious Golden Peacock. The recent IFFI focused on not only Indian cinema but also international works that tackle significant themes related to society, culture, and human emotion.
In conclusion, the 55th International Film Festival of India celebrated excellence in filmmaking with the Lithuanian film “Toxic” receiving the Golden Peacock award for its sensitive portrayal of adolescence in a challenging societal context. The event also highlighted remarkable performances and contributions from various filmmakers worldwide, underscoring the festival’s role in promoting cinematic arts and fostering cultural dialogue.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
