Joint Debut Honour for Hesam Farahmand & Tõnis Pill at the 56th IFFI
‘My Daughter’s Hair’ and ‘Frank’ Share Best Debut Director Award at the 56th IFFI
#IFFIWood, 28 November 2025
The 56th International Film Festival of India conferred the Best Debut Feature Film of a Director to two outstanding first-time filmmakers - Hesam Farahmand for Iranian film ‘My Daughter’s Hair’ and Tõnis Pill for Estonian film ‘Frank’. Both films stood apart in vision and craft, and together represented the strength, voice and emotional clarity that defined debut cinema at this year’s festival. Winners received the Silver Peacock Trophy, a Certificate, and a cash prize of ₹10,00,000. The award was presented by CM Goa, Shri. Pramod Sawant and Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Dr. L. Murugan in the presence of Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, IFFI Jury Chairperson Shri. Rakesh Omprakash Mehra and Festival Director Shri. Shekhar Kapur.
As the jury reflected, “We were equally struck by the brilliance of not one but two cinematic works. So, we are happy to recognize two directors who showcased impressive talent, whose careers will yield many more outstanding thoughtful stories in the future. We wish Hesam Farahmand and Tonis Pill all the very best in their journey from here.” This sentiment led to a shared honour, acknowledging artistic excellence that could not be contained to a single name.
The joint award at the 56th IFFI recognises not only the films themselves, but also the journeys ahead. The festival extends its warmest wishes to both directors, anticipating many more profound stories from their evolving creative paths.
Synopsis of 'My Daughter's Hair'
Raha is a teenage girl who is studying animation, but when she is about to submit her university project, her laptop is stolen, and she is forced to cut her hair and sell it to buy a new laptop. Her father Toheed buys a second-hand laptop using money from selling his daughter’s hair. However, the new laptop plunges Raha’s family into a mysterious adventure. The laptop’s ownership becomes a source of conflict with a wealthy family, escalating tensions. The film depicts the harsh realities faced by ordinary people striving for a better life and survival, along with their sacrifices.
PC Link of 'My Daughter's Hair'
Synopsis of ‘Frank'
Frank is an Estonian drama about 13-year-old Paul, who, after a violent fight with his abusive father, runs away to an unfamiliar town to live with his uncle. In his search for happiness, Paul makes several poor decisions but finds unexpected support through a strange disabled man who helps him prevent his downfall. The movie is a bold narrative of broken families, childhood trauma, and the pain of adolescence, blending stark realism with moments of hope and healing. Fränk has been praised for compelling performances, and its emotional, truthful portrayal of youth struggles in Estonia.
PC Link of ‘Frank’
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
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