The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), set to take place in Panaji, Goa, from November 20th to 28th, 2024, will include a Best Debut Feature Film of a Director competition. This section of the festival celebrates emerging global and Indian filmmakers, providing a platform for innovative storytelling. The winner of the award will receive the prestigious Silver Peacock, a ₹10 lakh cash prize, and a commendation.
Jury Panel:
The award selection will be guided by an esteemed panel of experts:
- Ashutosh Gowariker (India, Chairperson) – Acclaimed filmmaker.
- Anthony Chen (Singapore) – Director and screenwriter.
- Elizabeth Karlsen (US/UK) – Film producer.
- Fran Borgia (Spain) – Producer.
- Jill Bilcock (Australia) – Renowned editor.
Competing Films:
International Entries:
- Betânia (Brazil, Marcelo Botta)
- Explores Brazil’s ecological heritage and themes of community and queerness.
- Inspired by Maria do Celso’s activism for her village’s electrification.
- Bound in Heaven (China, Huo Xin)
- A genre-blending romance-crime drama about kinship and mortality.
- Bring Them Down (Ireland/UK, Christopher Andrews)
- A rural thriller-drama exploring Irish cultural and familial dynamics.
- Features Barry Keoghan and Christopher Abbott.
- Familiar Touch (USA, Sarah Friedland)
- A poignant narrative of an elderly woman navigating life changes in assisted living.
- To A Land Unknown (Lebanon, Mahdi Fleifel)
- A gripping story of two cousins, refugees seeking a better future.
Indian Entries:
- Gypsy (Marathi, Shashi Chandrakant Khandare)
- Examines displacement and hunger through the lens of a nomadic family.
- 35 Chinna Katha Kaadu (Telugu, Emani V S Nanda Kishore)
- Centers on a homemaker’s journey of self-education to support her child.
Event Significance:
This selection highlights diverse themes, including ecological challenges, migration, familial bonds, and the resilience of the human spirit, showcasing the creative depth of first-time filmmakers. By supporting emerging voices, IFFI continues to play a crucial role in promoting global and Indian cinema.
For more details, you can visit the official IFFI website.