As the 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) captivates Goa, a special spotlight is shining on one of its most prestigious awards. This year, the Cannes winner ‘The President’s Cake’ is among 10 films competing for the ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal at India’s IFFI Goa festival, an accolade celebrating cinema that promotes peace and humanism.
The Significance of the ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal
Presented in collaboration with the International Council for Film, Television and Audio-visual Communication (ICFT), Paris, and UNESCO, the Gandhi Medal is more than just a trophy. It honors a film that best embodies Mahatma Gandhi’s enduring ideals of peace, tolerance, and non-violence. The award seeks to celebrate cinema that not only entertains but also enlightens, inspires dialogue, and fosters a global culture of peace. To be nominated is an honor; to win is a testament to a film’s profound social impact.
Cannes Winner ‘The President’s Cake’ Leads the Contenders
Leading the charge in this year’s competition is ‘The President’s Cake’. Directed by Hasan Hadi, this poignant short film already carries the prestige of a win from the Cannes Film Festival (Prix de la Jeunesse). The film masterfully tells the story of a young boy’s perilous quest to find a piece of cake for his mother’s birthday amidst the devastating Syrian civil war.
Its narrative is a gut-wrenching yet hopeful exploration of finding innocence and love in the bleakest of circumstances. The film’s powerful themes of resilience and the enduring human spirit in the face of conflict align perfectly with the core principles of the Gandhi Medal, making it a formidable contender at IFFI Goa.
A Diverse Slate of Global Nominees
The competition is fierce, featuring a global tapestry of stories that champion peace. Representing the host nation is the Indian entry, ‘Sir Madam Sarpanch’, directed by Praveen Morchhale. The film delves into the empowering journey of a woman who challenges patriarchal norms in rural India, making a powerful statement on social change and equality.
The international lineup is equally compelling and includes:
- ‘Four Days’ (Belgium): Miraz Bezar’s film explores the deep-seated wounds of a family torn apart by political conflict.
- ‘The Other Son’ (France): A moving tale of two young men—one Israeli, one Palestinian—who discover they were switched at birth.
- ‘White Plastic Sky’ (Hungary/Slovakia): An animated feature offering a futuristic look at humanity’s survival.
Films from Iran, Turkey, and beyond round out the list, each bringing a unique cultural perspective to the universal quest for peace and understanding.
IFFI Goa: A Platform for Cinema of Peace
The inclusion of this award has become a cornerstone of IFFI, elevating the festival from a celebration of art to a platform for meaningful global dialogue. As cinephiles and delegates attend screenings, the anticipation for the winner will continue to build. While the jury faces the difficult task of selecting a single winner, the collective presence of these ten films at IFFI Goa sends a powerful message: in a world often defined by division, stories that champion unity and compassion are the ones that truly matter.
