Lithuanian Teen Film “Toxic” Wins Golden Peacock at Iffi 2024 in Goa

A film buff’s dream came true at the 55th International Film Festival of India (Iffi) when Lithuanian film ‘Toxic’ took home the prestigious Golden Peacock award. This remarkable film tells the story of two 13-year-old girls navigating the challenging world of a modeling school, pushing the boundaries of their physical and emotional limits.

The film, crafted with care by writer and director Saule Bliuvaite, captured the hearts of audiences and critics alike. Not only did ‘Toxic’ win the coveted Golden Peacock, but it also clinched the Silver Peacock for Best Female Actor, shared by the talented lead actresses, Vesta Matulyte and Ieva Rupeikaite.

In a heartfelt video message, Vesta conveyed her disbelief at winning such a prestigious award for their very first movie, emphasizing the significance of this achievement. The director and producer, Giedre Burokaite, also shared the cash prize of Rs 40 lakh attached to the Golden Peacock award.

The acknowledgment and praise didn’t stop there – the festival honored director Bogdan Muresanu with the Best Director Silver Peacock for his film ‘The New Year That Never Came’. This gripping story set against the backdrop of 1989 Romania captures the turmoil of a nation on the brink of revolution.

French film ‘Holy Cow’ earned Clement Faveau the title of Best Male Actor, with a Special Mention going to Adam Bessa for his stellar performance in ‘Who do I belong to?’ Philip Noyce, the celebrated Australian filmmaker, was also recognized with the Satyajit Ray Excellence in Cinema Award 2024, praising the vibrancy and passion of the Indian audience.

The festival didn’t forget to highlight emerging talent, with awards like the Best Debut Feature Film bestowed upon ‘Familiar Touch’ by Sara Friedland. This acknowledgment of fresh voices and perspectives in cinema speaks to the Iffi’s commitment to nurturing talent and creativity on a global scale.

As the festival concluded, actor Vikrant Massey was lauded with the Indian Film Personality of the Year honor, expressing gratitude for the love and respect he received. Additionally, chief minister Pramod Sawant extended a warm invitation to international filmmakers to explore the scenic vistas of Goa for their upcoming projects, ensuring a streamlined process for filming permits.

The excitement extended to diverse films, with ‘Crossing’ by Levan Akin snagging the Gandhi ICFT Medal for promoting peace and intercultural understanding. From Marathi gems like ‘Gharat Ganpati’ winning Best Debut Director of Indian Feature Film, to the Marathi web series ‘Lampan’ clinching the Best Web Series OTT Award, Iffi 2024 celebrated a rich tapestry of cinematic brilliance and storytelling.

As the lights dimmed on the festival, the echoes of creativity and innovation linger, resonating with audiences and filmmakers, inspiring a renewed passion for the art of cinema and its transformative power.