AMN / GOA
The 48th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) came to an end at Panaji in Goa Tuesday. The closing ceremony was held at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium in Bambolim.
A spectacular performance by Sidharth Malhotra mesmerised the packed auditorium with hit songs of legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan. Mr Bachchan was honoured with the Indian film personality of 2017 award.
Union information and broadcasting minister Smriti Irani and veteran actor Akshay Kumar presented Mr Bachchan the coveted award. Speaking on the occasion, Mrs Irani praised Amitabh Bachchan for his contribution to Indian cinema.
Accepting the award, Mr Bachchan thanked the government and IFFI for the honour bestowed upon him.
Acclaimed Canadian filmmaker Atom Egoyan was honoured with the lifetime achievement award. Speaking on the occasion, Egoyan said, art unites the entire world.
The best film award was given to French movie 120 Beats Per Minute directed by Robin Campullo.
The best director award was presented to Chinese director Vivian Qu for Angels Wear White. Malayalam film Take-off bagged the special jury award, while lead actor in the film Parvathy was given the Best Actor (Female) award. Nahuel Perez Biscayart received the Best Actor (Male) award for his performance in 120 Beats Per Minute.
The Best Debut Feature Film Director award was given to Kiro Russo for Spanish film Dark Skull. The ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal was given to Marathi movie Kshitij-A Horizon directed by Manouj Kadamh.
Popular stars Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Sushant Singh Rajput, Huma Quereshi and Bhumi Pednekar were present on the occasion.
Union ministers Kiren Rijiju and KJ Alphons, Goa governor Mridula Sinha, chief minister Manohar Parrikar, Uttar Pradesh tourism minister Rita Bahuguna Joshi, and information and broadcasting secretary NK Sinha were among other dignitaries present on the occasion.
Pablo Cesar-directed Indo-Argentine film Thinking of Him was the closing film at IFFI this year, while Beyond the Clouds directed by Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi opened the festival. Around 200 films from 82 countries were screened during the nine-day event.