Panaji, Nov 28: The 48th edition of International Film Festival of India (IFFI) came to close Tuesday with French drama “120 Beats Per Minute”, directed by Robin Campillo, winning the top award, the Golden Peacock.
Chief Minister of Goa and Chairman of the Entertainment Society of Goa Manohar Parrikar and IFFI steering committee convener Jahnu Barua conferred this award during the closing ceremony of the festival, which began November 20.
Set in France of 1990s, the movie is about homosexuality and the AIDS epidemic. The film had its world premiere at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival, followed by screenings at other festivals. At Cannes it won four awards, including the Grand Prix.
For the IFFI 2017, the international competition section had total 15 movies which were judged by a panel of jury, headed by renowned filmmaker Muzaffar Ali.
The director of the film, who could not make it to the ceremony, was awarded with a Golden Peacock and a certificate, and cash prize of Rs 40 lakh, to be distributed equally between the director and the producer.
The lead actor of “120 Beats Per Minute”, Nahuel Perez Biscayart, received the Best Actor Award. He was given a Silver Peacock, a certificate and a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh.
“I thank the director for offering me this character which transformed me in so many ways. I would like to share this award with the people who suffer for the way they are and the way they love, which is considered shameful. I encourage you all to unite and stand for yourself, because when you unite you are stronger,” Biscayart said in a video message.
Indian actor Parvathy Thiruvoth Kottuvatta, who was recently seen in romantic comedy “Qarib Qarib Singlle”, won the Best Actor Female Award, for her role in Malayalam film “Take Off”.
Actor Pooja Hegde and Minister of Tourism for government of Uttar Pradesh, Rita Bahuguna Joshi presented Parvathi with a Silver Peacock, a certificate and cash prize of Rs 10 lakh.
“This is a very special night. I dedicate this award to all the nurses of Kerala. Thank you IFFI and the jury members for this award,” Parvathy said.
The movie, directed by Mahesh Narayan, is based on the ordeal of Indian nurses in the city of Tikrit, Iraq, in 2014. It also won the Special Jury Award which included a Silver Peacock, a certificate and cash prize of Rs 15 lakh.
The Best Director Award of the 48th edition of IFFI went to Chinese film producer, director and screenwriter, Vivian Qu, for her film “Angels Wear White”.
Vivian could not attend the ceremony, but in a video message said, “I am honoured to receive this award. Thank you jury for appreciating my work.” She was awarded a Silver Peacock, a certificate and a cash prize of Rs 15 lakh.
One of the biggest honours of the evening, the Lifetime Achievement Award, was given to Canadian filmmaker Atom Egoyan.
Indian actor Katrina Kaif and High Commissioner of Canada to India, Nadir Patel, presented the award to Egoyan.
“I am overwhelmed. Cinema of India has been important to my career. The incredible tradition of authorship and integrity has inspired my cinema. And to be in this country and receive this award is an honour. This award is a symbol of great friendship between India and Canada. It is a very important relationship,” Egoyan said. (PTI)
