WANA (Nov 29) – The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) concluded in Goa with Iranian director Hesam Farahmand’s film “Raha” receiving the Best Debut Director award, shared with Estonia’s “Frank” directed by Tõnis Pill.
“Raha,” produced by Saeed Khani, stars Ghazal Shakeri and Shahab Hosseini, and tells a compelling cinematic story that earned recognition on the international stage.
The festival’s top honor, the Golden Peacock Award for Best Film, along with a $45,000 cash prize, went to Skin of Youth, directed by Ashleigh Mayfair, a co-production between Vietnam, Singapore, and Japan.
Other notable awards included:
Best Director: Santosh Davakhar for the Indian film “Gondhal.”
Jury Special Mention: “My Father’s Shadow” by Akinola Davies Junior (Nigeria/UK)
Best Actress: Jara Sofija Ostan for “Little Trouble Girls” (Slovenia)
Best Actor: Ubeimar Rios for the Spanish film “A Poet.”
UNESCO Gandhi Medal: “Safe House” by Erik Svensen (Norway)
The 56th IFFI ran from November 20 to 28, 2025, on the island of Goa, celebrating films from around the world and highlighting emerging talents in cinema.
The 56th International Film Festival of India. Social media/ WANA News Agency
