Lithuanian Film ‘Toxic’ Wins Golden Peacock at IFFI 2024

Lithuanian film ‘Toxic’ received the Golden Peacock at IFFI 2024, recognized for its sensitive coming-of-age narrative. The jury praised its insight into adolescence in a deprived context. Awards honored performances and direction in various films. The festival showcased over 180 international films, emphasizing cinema’s evolving role.

The Lithuanian drama film “Toxic,” directed by Saulė Bliuvaitė, received the prestigious Golden Peacock award at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) held in Goa. The jury, chaired by renowned Indian filmmaker Ashutosh Gowarikar, selected Toxic from a competitive pool of 15 international films, including three from India. The award comes with a monetary prize of ₹40 lakh.

The jury lauded Toxic for its profound sensitivity and empathy, highlighting its coming-of-age storyline set against a challenging physical and social environment. According to the jury, the film excels in depicting the struggles of adolescence within an economically disadvantaged society and gracefully intertwines these themes with its narrative ambiance.

Additionally, the festival recognized Vesta Matulytė and Ieva Rupeikaitė as joint winners of the Best Actor (Female) award for their performances in Toxic. Bogdan Muresanu received the Best Director Award for his film “New Year That Never Came,” which addresses the Romanian revolution of 1989.

Notable Australian filmmaker Phillip Noyce was awarded the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award during the closing ceremony, where he reflected on the significant impact of Indian cinema on the global stage. He emphasized the need for filmmakers to adapt to advancing technology while upholding the core philosophy, “Less is more,” attributed to Satyajit Ray.

The prestigious ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal was awarded to Swedish director Levan Akin for his film “CROSSING,” which showcases themes of love and understanding. Other honors included the Best Debut Director of an Indian Feature Film Award going to Bandiwadekar for “Gharat Ganpati.” The eight-day festival showcased over 180 international films from 81 countries, culminating in a grand celebration of cinematic artistry.

The International Film Festival of India, a significant annual event, showcases films from various countries, providing a platform for global cinematic talent. This year’s festival featured over 180 films and recognized outstanding contributions to cinema. The Golden Peacock award is one of the highest honors presented at the festival, aimed at celebrating international films that resonate with themes of empathy, creativity, and social issues.

In summary, the Lithuanian film Toxic stands out at IFFI 2024 by winning the Golden Peacock award, praised for its empathetic portrayal of adolescence amid socioeconomic challenges. The festival highlighted the excellence in filmmaking across various categories, acknowledging influential filmmakers and significant narratives. The recognition of Toxic and its actors emphasizes the growing importance of international cinema in dialogue about global themes.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com