The 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) concluded on Tuesday in Goa after screening 270 international and Indian films. The closing ceremony honoured outstanding achievements in the world of cinema. Here’s a look at the winners.

Best Film Award: Endless Borders

The Golden Peacock Award for Best Film went to the Persian film Endless Borders, directed by Abbas Amini. The film intricately weaves a narrative against the backdrop of an Iranian teacher's odyssey during the rise of the Taliban in Afghanistan. The jury praised the film's courage in tackling complex themes of prejudice, moral dilemmas and forbidden love.

Best Web Series (OTT): Panchayat Season 2

Prime Video series Panchayat Season 2 received the first-ever Best Web Series (OTT) Award. The series, created by The Viral Fever (TVF), explores the life of an engineering graduate who becomes a Panchayat secretary in a remote fictional village. Directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra, the series features a stellar cast, including Jitendra Kumar, Raghubir Yadav and Neena Gupta.

Best Actor: Pouria Rahimi Sam for Endless Borders

The Best Actor Award was bestowed upon Pouria Rahimi Sam for his work in Endless Borders. The jury commended Sam for his nuanced performance in challenging shooting conditions. His role as Ahmad, the exiled Iranian teacher dealing with ethnic tensions and forbidden love, resonated deeply with the audience.

Best Actress: Melanie Thierry for Party of Fools

French actress Melanie Thierry received the Silver Peacock for Best Actress for her role in Party of Fools. The jury lauded Thierry's range of expressions through the character's unpredictable journey.

Special Jury Award: Rishab Shetty for Kantara

Kannada actor-director Rishab Shetty clinched the Special Jury Award for his film Kantara. The jury applauded Shetty's ability to convey a significant story rooted in the clash between tradition and modernity. Kantara explores the ideological conflict between humans and nature in a fictional village, delivering a poignant message.

Best Director: Stephan Komandarev for Blaga’s Lessons

Bulgarian filmmaker Stephan Komandarev won the Silver Peacock for Best Director for Blaga’s Lessons. The film delves into the vulnerable lives of senior citizens in post-communist Bulgaria.

Best Debutant Director: Reger Azad Kaya

Reger Azad Kaya received the Best Debutant Director Award for When The Seedlings Grow. The jury praised the film for its portrayal of the connection between a father, daughter, and a lost boy through a succession of small events.