Lithuanian Film ‘Toxic’ Wins Golden Peacock at IFFI-2024: Bogdan Muresanu Best Director

Renowned Australian director Phillip Noyce was recently awarded the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award for excellence in cinema at the closing ceremony of the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. Noyce, who visited Mumbai in 1978 and was captivated by the local theater experience, expressed his appreciation for the Indian audience’s immersive engagement with films.

At the same event, festival director Shekhar Kapur and actor Vikrant Massey commended the Indian audience for their enduring support of the film industry. Massey, who received the Indian Film Personality of the Year award, reflected on his journey and expressed his dedication to portraying relatable characters for the audience.

During the ceremony, ‘Toxic’ from Lithuania directed by Saulė Bliuvaitė received the Best Film award, with lead actors Vesta Matulyte and Ieva Rupeikaitė garnering accolades for their performances in the film. Additionally, the jury recognized Bogdan Muresanu as Best Director for ‘The New Year That Never Came’ and Clément Faveau as Best Actor (Male) for his role in ‘Holy Cow’.

Other notable awards included Best Debut Feature Film of a Director for Sarah Friedland’s ‘Familiar Touch’, the ICFT International Film Prize with UNESCO Gandhi Medal for ‘Crossing’, and the Best OTT Web Series Award for Marathi-language ‘Lampan’. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant highlighted the success of the Film Bazaar and extended an invitation for filmmakers to explore shooting opportunities in Goa.

The ceremony also featured the felicitation of prominent film personalities like Ramesh Sippy, Jaya Prada, and Pratik Gandhi. Overall, the event celebrated the excellence of international cinema and the vibrant culture of Goa.