Lithuanian Film “Toxic” Wins Golden Peacock at IFFI 2024

Lithuanian film “Toxic,” directed by Saulė Bliuvaitė, won the Golden Peacock award at IFFI 2024. The film was praised for its sensitivity in addressing adolescence within a challenging backdrop. Best Actor (Female) was awarded to Vesta Matulytė and Ieva Rupeikaitė. The festival also honored Phillip Noyce with a lifetime achievement award.

The esteemed Lithuanian film, “Toxic,” directed by Saulė Bliuvaitė, received the prestigious Golden Peacock award at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) held in Goa. Recognized for its profound sensitivity and empathetic portrayal of adolescence amidst challenging socio-economic conditions, the film stood out from a competitive selection of 15 films, including three from India, chosen by a jury under the leadership of noted Indian filmmaker Ashutosh Gowarikar. The award is accompanied by a cash prize of ₹40 lakh, underscoring the film’s artistic merit and impactful storytelling.

In addition to the Golden Peacock, the Best Actor (Female) award was awarded jointly to Vesta Matulytė and Ieva Rupeikaitė for their remarkable performances in “Toxic.” The festival also recognized Bogdan Muresanu with the Best Director Award for his significant work, “New Year That Never Came,” exploring the Romanian revolution of 1989.

Prominent Australian director Phillip Noyce received the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award, during which he reflected on the vast influence of Indian cinema, emphasizing its position as the world’s largest producer of feature films. His acceptance speech encouraged filmmakers to embrace the philosophy of simplification in filmmaking, stating, “We must once again turn to Satyajit Ray’s cinematic philosophy: Less is more.”

Further accolades were given, including the ICFT – UNESCO Gandhi Medal awarded to Levan Akin’s film “CROSSING,” described as a stunning exploration of love and understanding. The festival also recognized Bandiwadekar for his debut directing achievement in the Indian feature film “Gharat Ganpati.” The eight-day festival concluded with a remarkable showcase of over 180 international films from 81 countries, including multiple premieres.

The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) serves as a premier platform for showcasing global cinema, providing filmmakers from various cultures an opportunity to present their work to an international audience. The festival not only recognizes excellence in filmmaking through awards but also celebrates diverse narratives that reflect social issues and human experiences. The Golden Peacock award, being one of the highest honors presented at IFFI, highlights the importance of storytelling that resonates with audiences on multiple levels.

In summary, the recognition of “Toxic” at the IFFI 2024 underscores the film’s significant contribution to discussing complex themes of adolescence and socio-economic challenges. The festival’s acknowledgment of various artistic works, including both emerging and established filmmakers, illustrates India’s vibrant cinematic landscape and its appreciation for global narratives. This year’s festival was not only a celebration of film but also an exploration of the evolving nature of cinema, as articulated by renowned figures such as Phillip Noyce.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com