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#IFFIWood, 27 November 2024

Continuing its tradition of honouring cinematic excellence and Gandhian values, the ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal will be presented at the 55^th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Celebrating peace, tolerance, and non-violence, this prestigious award is a collaboration between UNESCO and the International Council for Film, Television, and Audio-visual Communication (ICFT). The jury and the representatives for the ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal addressed the press today in Goa.

Established in 2015, the ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal has become a prestigious accolade for films reflecting Mahatma Gandhi's principles. This year, 10 outstanding films across diverse languages, genres, and cultures have been shortlisted for their power to inspire and engage audiences, especially the youth, with themes of peace, social harmony, and tolerance.

The selection process has been overseen by an esteemed Panel of jury comprising following members:

• Isabelle Danel, Honorary President of FIPRESCI- International Federation of Film Critics,
• Serge Michel, Vice President of CICT-ICFT,
• Maria Cristina Iglesias, former head of UNESCO’s Cultural Sector Programme,
• Dr. Ahmed Bedjaoui, Artistic Director of the Algiers International Film Festival,
• Xueyuan Hun, Director of Platform for Creativity and Innovation, CICT-ICFT youth branch.

The jury panel has assessed the films based on their ethical depth, artistic excellence, and ability to foster intercultural dialogue. The winner will be revealed at the festival's closing ceremony tomorrow.

Speaking to the media on the significance of the award, Mr. Pankaj Saxena, Artistic Director, NFDC, said, “This medal represents the core values of IFFI. In today’s world, the need for intercultural dialogue is paramount. Cinema has the power to bring diverse cultures together, fostering the values of understanding, tolerance and love. That’s why we are proud to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of this partnership.”

Jury member, Xueyuan Hun reflected on the evolving collaboration since 2015. She said, “Every year, we select films that align with UNESCO’s principles and Gandhi’s spirit of peace and non-violence. This year, the lineup includes extraordinary films like Crossing, For Rana, Lesson Learned, Meeting with Pol Pot, Satu -Year of the Rabbit, Transamazonia, Unsinkable, Aamar Boss, Juiphool and Srikanth. The diversity of storytelling is very inspiring.”

She also highlighted the significance of engaging youth through cinema, sharing UNESCO’s vision of empowering young filmmakers with training workshops and opportunities to showcase their work in the global scale.

Mr. Manoj Mohan Kadam, recipient of the 2017 Gandhi Medal for Kshitij – A Horizon, emphasized, “to nurture young filmmakers, IFFI has taken up commendable initiatives. It’s heartening to see the young filmmakers making content-driven films that reflect social values.”

Answering a query, Mr. Manoj Kadam also said that as etched in the Gandhi Medal “in the midst of darkness, light prevails,” all the films in the category reflected the ray of hope, peace and social harmony.

Xueyuan Hun also shared that UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay has also supported the role of cinema in fostering peace and sustainable development, and ICFT is taking up several initiatives to promote storytelling that inspires global harmony in the coming future.

The ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal continues to exemplify the power of cinema as a catalyst for peace and harmony, honouring the lasting legacy of Mahatma Gandhi in today’s world.

Read More: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2072716&reg=1&lang=1

Watch the Press Conference here:

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PIB IFFI CAST AND CREW | Rajith/Supriya/Hiramani/Darshana | IFFI 55 - 101