The 18th Mumbai International Film Festival: The Golden Conch award for Best Documentary Film of the Festival went to the Indian documentary “The Golden Thread.”
Our country’s Kohinoors are filmmakers: Shri Sudhir Mungantiwar, the Minister of Culture for Maharashtra
The 18th Mumbai International Film Festival for Documentary, Short Fiction, and Animation films came to an end under the sparkling lights of Mumbai’s famous skyline, dazzling the City of Dreams with the splendor of cinematic talent. Storytelling and creativity resonated throughout the city that never sleeps, culminating in a grand finale hosted by Maharashtra Culture Minister Shri Sudhir Mungantiwar.
Celebrities, filmmakers, and industry leaders convened to commemorate the triumphant success of the festival and the captivating allure of short films. Shekhar Suman, Shaji N. Karun, Poonam Dhillon, Subbiah Nallamuthu, Chaya Kadam, Ammie Barauh, Akshay Oberoi, and Vishal were a few of them.
The Maharashtra government’s culture minister, Shri Sudhir Mungantiwar, stated in his keynote speech that the country’s filmmakers are its Kohinoors. “Everything related to our films, including our legacy, will progress as we go forward.” Even doctors might not be able to reach the depths of our souls through their artistic mediums, such is the power of those seated here, the speaker said. He asked everyone to commit to growing their capacities in the upcoming years and to depart MIFF with a fresh outlook.
The Minister expressed gratitude to the Indian government for its endeavors in advancing skilled filmmakers via this prestigious platform. He said, highlighting the ability of movies to affect society: “Movies serve as a mirror to society and can bring about societal change. A person’s life can be changed by just one conversation from this industry.”
Shri Mungantiwar emphasized the cinematic medium’s diverse function by saying, “Films serve as a vehicle for character development in addition to being a source of amusement. As individuals grow, so do societies, and as societies grow, so does the country.” At the end of his speech, he issued a call to action, urging everyone to unite via the medium of film in order to convey the pride of our country to every home and heart on the planet.
Speaking about the competing films, the chairman of the International Competition Jury, Shri Bharat Bala, stated that the stories of cultural values from around the world—which still center on the family—and the human spirit of perseverance—which inspires everyone to become better versions of themselves—were the inspiration for the films. The global culture in which we all live and breathe is mirrored in the soul of each and every documentary. For mankind to flourish, we anticipate that we will all make greater investments in documentaries, he continued.
The National Jury Chairperson of MIFF, Apoorva Bakshi, an Indian producer, expressed that the jury was privileged to see compelling, thought-provoking, and moving stories coming from many regions of India. “How filmmakers throughout the board dissected the mechanics of patriarchy and depicted masculine relationships through a tender lens which was seldom explored was the highlight of the viewing experience,” she continued.
“The Golden Thread” received the Golden Conch award.
The Indian film “The Golden Thread,” which was directed by Nistha Jain, won the coveted Golden Conch award for Best Documentary Film of the Festival in the International Category. The film is a tribute to and an observation of the final remnants of the industrial revolution affected by economic change. It follows the weft and warp of jute work in Kolkata. The jury questioned the theory that capitalism values man exclusively in terms of his labor while noting that the movie depicts the link between man and machine. The engaging quality of documentary filmmaking is emphasized by the exquisite story that is woven together by the striking images and sound. A certificate and a Rs. 10 lakh cash reward are part of the award. Additionally, “The Golden Thread” was shown as the festival’s closing film.
The Estonian film “Sour Milk,” which was directed by Vera Pirogova, won the Silver Conch award for Best International Short Fiction Film. The film skillfully captures the complex relationship between a mother and her son, creating a story full of both hope and disappointment. Together with a cash prize of Rs. 5 lakh, this honor also comes with a certificate.
The Silver Conch award for Best Animation Film in the International Competition division went to the Polish film “Zima,” which was directed by Tomek Popakul and Kasumi Ozeki. The prize included a certificate and a cash payout of Rs. 5 lakh.
Matt Waldeck’s film “Lovely Jackson” won the International Competition category’s Jury’s Special Mention. The film’s spirituality and inventive storytelling methods left a lasting impression on the judges.
Niraj Gera and Abhijit Sarkar shared a Technical Award for Best Sound Design in recognition of their outstanding work on the movies “The Golden Thread” and “Dhara Ka Tem” (Time for Milking). Vignesh Kumulai for “Karparaa” and Irene Dhar Mallik for “From the Shadows” shared the MIFF Best Editor prize. Babin Dulal and Suraj Thakur received a joint award for Best Cinematography for their films, “Dhorpatan: No Winter Holidays” and “Entangled.”
The Japanese film “The Old Young Crow,” which was directed by Liam Lopinto, won the Pramod Pati Award for Most Innovative/Experimental Film for its creative and enchanting portrayal of many dualities. A trophy and a one lakh rupee cash prize are included in the award.
The Nirmal Chander Dandriyal-directed documentary “6-A Akash Ganga” won the Silver Conch award for Best Indian Documentary Film. The video has a Rs. 5 lakh cash reward and takes viewers into the private realm of famed musician Annapurna Devi.
“Salt,” directed by Barkha Prashant Naik, won the Silver Conch Award for Best Indian Short Fiction Film (up to 30 minutes). Through a heartfelt and exquisitely rendered father-son narrative, the film deftly examines the sensitive intergenerational understanding of sexuality. An amount of Rs. 3 lakh in cash is part of this award.
Gaurav Pati’s “Nirjara” took home the Silver Conch award for Best Indian Animation Film. There is a monetary award of Rs. 3 lakh for the film, which portrays the narrative of two brothers who reunite amid grieving rites on the Ganga ghats.
Joshy Benedict’s film, “A Coconut Tree,” was recognized with a Jury’s Special Mention in the National Competition category for its timely treatment of the pressing issues of migration and climate change.
Sreemoyee Singh received the Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari Award for Best Debut Director at MIFF 2024 for her film “Towards Happy Alleys,” which also took home the FIPRESCI International Critic Jury prize. A trophy and a one lakh rupee cash reward are included in the awards.
The Garo film “Chanchisoa (Expectation),” which was directed by Elvachisa Ch Sangma and Dipankar Das, won the IDPA prize for Best Student Film at MIFF. A trophy and a one lakh rupee cash prize are included in the award.
The Edmond Ranson-directed short film “Life in Loom,” which examines the socioeconomic and climatic difficulties encountered by weaving communities in India, won the Best Short Film Award for “India in Amrit Kaal.” A trophy, a certificate, and a Rs. 1 lakh cash prize are all part of the award.
Film industry icons Akshay Oberoi, Sheeba Chadha, Aimee Baruah, Manya Singh, Chhaya Kadam, Vishal Malhotra, Chandra Prasad Thakur, Sai Deodhar, Sanvikaa, and Deepak Parashar were also present at the closing event. The evening’s bright, lively, and diversified cultural acts lit the stage on fire and enthralled the audience. At the event, the festival’s technical committee and notable actors received congratulations. The vote of gratitude was proposed by Shri Prithul Kumar, Managing Director & Festival Director, NFDC.
MIFF 2024 summarized:
This year’s MIFF proudly exhibited 314 films in 61 languages, representing 59 different countries. With eight world premieres, five international premieres, eighteen Asia premieres, and twenty-one India premieres, the festival’s stellar roster demonstrated the popularity and distinctive storytelling abilities of filmmakers around the world. The Documentary Film Bazaar, a ground-breaking program that provided filmmakers with an amazing platform to interact with buyers, sponsors, and collaborators, was one of MIFF 2024’s major highlights. Nearly 200 projects in 27 languages from 10 countries were drawn to this ground-breaking event, which encouraged a lively exchange of chances and ideas.
Renowned filmmakers such Alphonse Roy, Nemil Shah, Shaji N. Karun, Audrius Stonys, Santhosh Sivan, and Subbiah Nallamuthu, among others, gave seminars to festival goers as well. Both aspiring and seasoned filmmakers were able to get essential insights into the craft of filmmaking from these seminars, which enhanced their knowledge and abilities. MIFF 2024 featured panel talks on cutting edge subjects in short fiction, animation, and documentaries. The delegates’ comprehension of the changing environment of the industry was expanded as they investigated new aspects of filmmaking, distribution, and promotion. A senior animator from Warner Brothers also conducted a course on animation and VFX pipeline, which enthralled attendees with its in-depth examination of cutting-edge methods.
The Indian Documentary Producers Association’s Open Forums generated lively and informative conversations about relevant topics like OTT platforms, artificial intelligence, financing for documentaries, and making movies in the social media age. Professionals were given a lively venue to discuss and exchange ideas on the opportunities and problems that the sector is now facing. MIFF 2024 has reaffirmed its position as the leading forum for international film exchange, encouraging innovation, teamwork, and the celebration of various narrative traditions from across the globe.