55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) to Celebrate Emerging Filmmakers
The 55th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will be held in Panaji, Goa, from November 20 to 28, 2024, and will include a dedicated competition for the Best Debut Feature Film of a Director.
This prestigious category recognizes and celebrates the innovative storytelling of emerging filmmakers from India and across the globe.
The winner will be honored with the Silver Peacock Award, a cash prize of ₹10 lakh, and a commendation, solidifying IFFI’s role in fostering new talent and artistic vision.
Jury Panel
A distinguished panel of film experts will select the winner:
- Ashutosh Gowariker (India, Chairperson): Renowned filmmaker celebrated for his cinematic vision.
- Anthony Chen (Singapore): Acclaimed director and screenwriter.
- Elizabeth Karlsen (US/UK): Esteemed film producer.
- Fran Borgia (Spain): Award-winning producer.
- Jill Bilcock (Australia): Globally recognized film editor.
Competing Films
International Entries:
- Betânia (Brazil, Marcelo Botta): A powerful exploration of Brazil’s ecological heritage, community bonds, and queerness, inspired by Maria do Celso’s activism.
- Bound in Heaven (China, Huo Xin): A genre-defying romance-crime drama exploring themes of kinship and mortality.
- Bring Them Down (Ireland/UK, Christopher Andrews): A rural thriller-drama that delves into Irish familial dynamics, featuring Barry Keoghan and Christopher Abbott.
- Familiar Touch (USA, Sarah Friedland): A heartfelt narrative about an elderly woman navigating changes in assisted living.
- To A Land Unknown (Lebanon, Mahdi Fleifel): A gripping tale of two cousins striving for a brighter future as refugees.
Indian Entries:
- Gypsy (Marathi, Shashi Chandrakant Khandare): A poignant story of a nomadic family grappling with displacement and hunger.
- 35 Chinna Katha Kaadu (Telugu, Emani V S Nanda Kishore): A homemaker’s inspiring journey of self-education to support her child.
Significance of 55th International Film Festival Event
This category reflects a tapestry of diverse themes, including ecological challenges, migration, resilience, familial bonds, and self-discovery.
By shining a spotlight on the creative depth and storytelling prowess of debut filmmakers, IFFI continues to serve as a vital platform for nurturing talent and promoting cinematic excellence across cultures.
For further information, visit the official IFFI website.
