The 30th Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) concluded on Wednesday with Bulgarian film Stadoto winning the prestigious Golden Royal Bengal Tiger Award. Directed by Milko Lazarov, the film, which tells a poignant story of a father and his gifted daughter struggling against societal prejudice, also won the Fipresci Award for its impactful storytelling and innovation in cinema.
Ana Endara from Panama was honored with the best director award in the international category for her film Querido Tropico. Alejandro Gerber Bicecci's Arillo De Hombre Muerto received special jury mention in the international segment.
In the Indian cinema segments, Aaryan Chandra Prakash received the best director award for his film Aajoor, which is based on a dialect from Bihar. The award for best film in this category went to Lachhi, directed by Krishnegowda. Tanmaya Shekhar’s Nukkad Natak received special jury mention.
Other winners included Abhijit Chowdhury's Dhrubor Ashchorjo Jibon, which won in the Bengali Panorama category, with a cash prize of Rs 7.5 lakh. Putulnama by Ranajit Ray clinched the Asian Select (NETPAC) Award. Aron Mitr’s Goolar Ke Phool was adjudged the best short film, while Amrit Sarkar’s Mozzat received special jury mention in the short film section.
Dipanjan Choudhury’s Bhabotosher Karkhana took home the prize in the Indian documentary competition, with Hariprasad K N’s Melvilasam receiving the special jury mention in this category.
KIFF 2024 showcased 179 films from 29 countries across multiple iconic venues in Kolkata, including Nandan, Rabindra Sadan, Sisir Mancha and Nazrul Tirtha from December 4-11.