#IFFIWood, 27 November 2025

The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2025), in collaboration with the International Council for Film, Television and Audiovisual Communication (ICFT), presents its annual ICFT–UNESCO Gandhi Medal, an honour bestowed on films that uphold the ideals championed by UNESCO—tolerance, intercultural dialogue and a global culture of peace. Introduced at the 46th IFFI in 2016, the award has become one of the festival’s most respected recognitions, celebrating cinema that inspires compassion, harmony and social responsibility.

This year, ten exceptional films from across the world are competing for the prestigious medal. The lineup features entries from the UK, Norway, Kosovo, Iraq, Chile, Japan, and three from India, reflecting IFFI’s commitment to diverse storytelling and global representation. The films in competition include Brides (UK), Hana (Kosovo), K Poper (Iran), The President's Cake (USA–Iraq–Qatar), Safe House (Norway), Tanvi The Great (India), The Wave (Chile), Vimukt (India), White Snow (India) and Yakushima’s Illusion (Belgium–France–Japan–Luxembourg).

The ICFT–UNESCO Gandhi Medal Jury for IFFI 2025 is chaired by Dr. Prof. Ahmed Bedjaoui (Algeria), with members Xueyuan Hun (China), Serge Michel (France), Tobias Biancone (Switzerland) and Georges Dupont (Luxembourg).

Speaking at PIB’s press conference, acclaimed filmmaker Manouj Kadaamh, Honorary Representative of ICFT–UNESCO Paris, said the award recognizes films that project humanitarian values and visuals that reflect non-violence, communal harmony and social justice. He noted that 2025 marks the eleventh year of ICFT’s partnership with IFFI, underscoring a shared mission to promote meaningful cinema.

Manouj Kadaamh highlighted that ICFT, founded in 1956, is the oldest global association for film technicians and continues to work across diverse audiovisual themes. He also discussed emerging conversations around AI in filmmaking, noting that while AI can assist in creating scenes difficult to shoot, “there has to be a human element in films—emotions cannot be computerized.”

Pankaj Saxena, Artistic Director (Programming), NFDC, emphasized that the ICFT–UNESCO Gandhi Medal is one of IFFI’s three programmed competitions and is guided by a unique mandate—to bring civilizations and cultures together through cinema that promotes peace and prosperity. He observed the festival’s growing representation of women filmmakers, noting the increasing number of powerful films led by women voices, and reiterated that IFFI aims to reflect the world without being dominated by any single region.

Pankaj Saxena stressed that film festivals must curate works that elevate cinematic taste, celebrate artistic integrity and reflect the human condition. While acknowledging that violence is a primordial instinct, he highlighted the need to portray it responsibly and not as a tool for commercial sensationalism.

About the ICFT–UNESCO Gandhi Medal:

Representing the universal ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, the ICFT–UNESCO segment of IFFI honours films that embody peace, non-violence and intercultural understanding. This globally respected award recognizes works that transcend artistic brilliance to embrace themes of inclusivity, social awareness and ethical reflection. Over the years, the Gandhi Medal has spotlighted filmmakers whose narratives foster compassion, unity and dialogue among cultures—affirming cinema’s transformative power to illuminate humanity and build bridges across societies.

Watch the full press conference:

About IFFI:

Born in 1952, the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) stands tall as South Asia’s oldest and largest celebration of cinema. Jointly hosted by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India and the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), State Government of Goa, the festival has grown into a global cinematic powerhouse—where restored classics meet bold experiments, and legendary maestros share space with fearless first-timers. What makes IFFI truly sparkle is its electric mix—international competitions, cultural showcases, masterclasses, tributes, and the high-energy WAVES Film Bazaar, where ideas, deals and collaborations take flight. Staged against Goa’s stunning coastal backdrop from November 20–28, the 56th edition promises a dazzling spectrum of languages, genres, innovations, and voices—an immersive celebration of India’s creative brilliance on the world stage.

For more information, Click on:

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

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

PIB IFFIWood Broadcast Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaEiBaML2AU6gnzWOm3F

X Handles: @IFFIGoa, @PIB_India, @PIB_Panaji

* * *

PIB IFFI CAST AND CREW | Ritu Shukla/Santosh Venkatraman/Sriyanka Chatterjee/Darshana Rane | IFFI 56 - 102