Seven Emerging Filmmakers Vie for IFFI's Best Debut Feature Prize

The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) has announced its lineup for the Best Debut Feature Film of a Director Award, featuring seven first-time filmmakers from across the globe. The festival has assembled five international titles alongside two Indian productions for the competitive section, which will be evaluated by a jury led by Indian director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra. The category's victor will take home the Silver Peacock trophy along with INR10 lakh (11,270) and a certificate of commendation. According to sources, the contenders for the award include the Indian film "Shape of Momo," directed by Garin Nugroho, and the Australian war drama "Fury," directed by Kriv Stenders. Other international titles in the running are "My Camera, My Gun," a war documentary from Taiwan, and "Comedy Buddy," a comedy from Indonesia. The Indian productions are "Opera Jawa," directed by Garin Nugroho, and "Do You Still Love Me," directed by Sudipto Chattopadhyay. Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, the jury head, expressed his enthusiasm for the competition, saying, "We have a diverse and talented pool of emerging directors from around the world, and it will be a challenging task to select the winner. However, I am confident that the jury will make an informed decision based on the quality of the films." The Best Debut Feature Film of a Director Award is a significant recognition for emerging filmmakers, providing them with a platform to showcase their work and gain international recognition. The award has been a part of the IFFI since its inception and has been won by notable directors such as Nagesh Kukunoor and Anurag Kashyap in the past. The IFFI has been a premier platform for filmmakers from around the world to showcase their work and connect with industry professionals. The festival has been a launching pad for many successful careers in the film industry, and the Best Debut Feature Film of a Director Award is a testament to the festival's commitment to nurturing emerging talent. The 56th edition of the IFFI is scheduled to take place in Goa, India, and will feature a range of films from around the world. The festival will provide a platform for the contenders to showcase their work and compete for the prestigious award. The winner of the Best Debut Feature Film of a Director Award will be announced during the festival, and the trophy and cash prize will be presented to the deserving filmmaker.