The prestigious Golden Peacock Awards, recognizing excellence across various categories, were unveiled at the 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) held at the Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, Goa between 20 – 28 November.
Golden/silver Peacock Award winners in various categories
Golden Peacock Award for Best Film - 'Endless Borders'
- Persian language film 'Endless Borders' directed by Abbas Amini was awarded the prestigious 'Golden Peacock' award for the best film.
- The film tells the story of an Iranian teacher's difficult journey amid the turmoil caused by the rise of the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Silver Peacock Award for Best Director – Stephan Komandarev
- Bulgarian director Stefan Komandarev was awarded the 'Silver Peacock' award for the Best Director for the film '‘Blaga’s Lessons'.
- The film centers on a widow named Blaga, whose moral balance is shaken after becoming a victim of telephone scammers. The film highlights the fragile lives of today's senior citizens in post-communist Bulgaria.
Silver Peacock Award for Best Actor (Male) - Pouriya Rahimi Sam
- Actor Pouria Rahimi Sam has been chosen as Best Actor for his pivotal role in the Persian film 'Endless Borders' directed by Abbas Amini.
Silver Peacock Award for Best Actress - Mélanie Thierry
- French actress Mélanie Thierry has been honored with the Silver Peacock Award for Best Actress for Party of Fools.
Award for Best Debut Feature Film of a Director - 'When the Seedlings Grow'
- Filmmaker Regar Azad Kaya has won the best debut feature film of a director for 'When the Seedlings Grow'.
- The film is a poignant portrayal of a day in the life of a father, daughter and a lost boy.
Special Jury Award
- Indian filmmaker Rishabh Shetty has been awarded the Special Jury Award for the kannada movie 'Kantara'.
- The film explores the ideological conflict between humans and nature in a fictional village, delivering a poignant message amid the clash of traditions and modernity.
International Film Festival of India (IFFI)
- The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) was established in 1952.
- Currently held annually in the state of Goa on the country's west coast.
- The festival is jointly organized by the National Film Development Corporation of India (under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting) and the State Government of Goa.
- The objective of the festival is to provide a common platform to the cinemas of the world to showcase the excellence of film art.