IFFI 2025 The award for Best Debut Feature Film of a Director was jointly awarded to My Daughter’s Hair (Raha) by Hesam Farahmand.

Nov 28 – The 56th IFFI wrapped up with a glamorous event at Bambolim Stadium, attended by numerous prominent figures from both Indian and international cinema, celebrating the art of film.

Hesam Farahmand for the Persian film My Daughter’s Hair (Raha) and Tõnis Pill for the Estonian film Frank were jointly awarded the Best Debut Feature Film of a Director Award.

Iranian filmmaker Hesam Farahmand for his debut film My Daughter’s Hair (Raha) and Estonian filmmaker Tõnis Pill for his debut feature Fränk have been announced as joint recipients of the Best Debut Film of a Director Award at the 56th IFFI.

The Jury praised both the films, which they cited to have stood tall, and equally were equally struck them by their brilliance.

The Golden Peacock for Best Feature Film was presented to Skin of Youth, a Vietnamese film directed by Ash Mayfair. This film, written and directed by Ashleigh Mayfair, was recognized as the best feature film in the International Competition category, earning the esteemed Golden Peacock at the 56th IFFI.

With its engaging storyline, the film conveys a significant message—to humanize, to shed light on, and to confront silence. All aspects of the film harmonized beautifully, featuring excellent music and adept editing. The Jury described the film as - Bold and brave, stunning and stylish. The themes of love and sacrifice depicted in the film reveal a life that many of us may never experience, ensuring that the film remains memorable.

The Silver Peacock for Best Director was awarded to Santosh Davakhar for his film Gondhal, while the Special Jury Award went to Akinola Davies Jr. for My Father’s Shadow.

In the acting categories, Jara Sofija Ostan received the Silver Peacock for Best Actor (Female) for Little Trouble Girls (Kaj ti je deklica), and Ubeimar Rios was honored with the Silver Peacock for Best Actor (Male) for A Poet (Un Poeta), directed by Simón Mesa Sot.

Norwegian Film "Safe House" Wins the Prestigious ICFT–UNESCO Gandhi Medal

The Norwegian film “Safe House”, directed by Eirik Svensson, has been awarded the ICFT–UNESCO Gandhi Medal at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2025) for its outstanding contribution to cinema that promotes peace, non-violence, and intercultural dialogue.​

 

IFFI Website: https://www.iffigoa.org/

PIB’s IFFI Microsite: https://www.pib.gov.in/iffi/56/