Celebrating Cinema for Peace: The ICFT–UNESCO Gandhi Medal at IFFI 2025
Each year, as the spotlight turns to the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, one special honor stands out for its moral resonance and universal appeal—the ICFT–UNESCO Gandhi Medal. More than just a cinematic accolade, it celebrates storytelling that transcends borders and reminds us of the enduring power of peace and non-violence.
A Legacy of Peace Through Cinema
Instituted jointly by UNESCO and the International Council for Film, Television and Audiovisual Communication (ICFT), the Gandhi Medal pays tribute to the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi — truth, tolerance, and compassion.
The medal traces its roots to a commemorative UNESCO initiative launched in 1994 to mark the 125th anniversary of Gandhi’s birth. Its modern cinematic form debuted at IFFI 2015, recognizing films that exemplify Gandhi’s values through the universal language of cinema.
Over the years, the award has evolved into one of the festival’s most respected honors, representing a unique partnership between global cultural diplomacy and creative expression.
“The ICFT–UNESCO Gandhi Medal celebrates cinema’s power to heal divisions and inspire humanity — a gentle reminder that peace can be both a story and a way of life.”
The 2025 Edition: Continuing a Proud Tradition
At the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2025), scheduled from November 20 to 28 in Goa, the Gandhi Medal will once again highlight films from around the world that embody peace and dialogue.
A select number of entries from IFFI’s International Competition category are nominated each year for the award, with the winner announced at the festival’s Closing Ceremony.
Criteria for the Gandhi Medal
Films considered for the ICFT–UNESCO Gandhi Medal are evaluated on:
- Thematic relevance: depiction of peace, non-violence, human rights, or intercultural understanding.
- Cinematic quality: artistic merit and storytelling craft.
- Impact: ability to inspire reflection and empathy across audiences.
- Universality: resonance across cultural and social contexts.
A jury appointed by ICFT and UNESCO selects the winner from the shortlisted films.
Past Laureates of Global Vision
Notable past winners include:
- Cinemawala (Kaushik Ganguly, India) — early recipient following the medal’s launch.
- Lingui, The Sacred Bonds (Mahamat-Saleh Haroun, Chad, 2021).
- Drift (Anthony Chen, Singapore, 2023).
- Crossing (Levan Akin, Georgia, 2024).
Each film, in its own way, mirrors Gandhi’s spirit — finding dignity and peace in the human journey.
Why recognising these films matters
In a world grappling with division and unrest, cinema that promotes empathy and reconciliation becomes more than art — it becomes advocacy. The ICFT–UNESCO Gandhi Medal affirms that films can be peace ambassadors, bridging hearts through stories that inspire understanding rather than conflict.
- Cinema as a bridge: films that foreground non-violence and dialogue help translate abstract ideals into human stories audiences can empathise with.
- Soft power for peace: awards like this encourage filmmakers worldwide to tackle complex issues—conflict, displacement, discrimination—through humane, non-polarising lenses.
- Cultural diplomacy: the medal strengthens UNESCO’s and ICFT’s mission to use media for education, intercultural understanding, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
As UNESCO aptly reminds us, “Culture is the key to dialogue — and dialogue is the key to peace.”
A distinguished panel of jurors will evaluate ten shortlisted films for the prestigious ICFT–UNESCO Gandhi Medal 2025.
Brides (UK): Nadia Fall’s debut drama follows two British-Muslim teenage girls fleeing troubled homes while confronting radicalization and identity in a polarized world. Premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, it received a Grand Jury Prize nomination in the World Cinema (Dramatic) category.
Safe House (Norway): Eirik Svensson’s civil war drama unfolds in a Doctors Without Borders hospital during the 2013 Central African Republic conflict, spanning 15 intense hours. It won the Audience Dragon Award at the 48th Göteborg Film Festival 2025.
Hana (Kosovo): Ujkan Hysaj’s debut feature focuses on an actress in a rehabilitation center confronting war survivors’ traumas and her own. It premieres at IFFI 2025, exploring the themes of memory and healing.
K Poper (Iran): Ebrahim Amini’s debut follows an Iranian teenager’s quest to see her K-pop idol in Seoul while clashing with her mother’s fears. Screened at Tallinn Black Nights 2025, it examines aspiration and generational divides.
The President’s Cake (Iraq): Hasan Hadi’s debut follows a 9-year-old girl in 1990s Iraq, tasked with baking the president’s birthday cake amid hunger. It premiered at the 2025 Cannes Directors’ Fortnight and is Iraq’s entry for the 2025 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature category.
The Wave (Chile): Sebastián Lelio’s musical drama, inspired by the 2018 feminist protests, focuses on a student’s assault amid a rising movement. It premiered at Cannes 2025.
Yakushima’s Illusion (Japan/International): Naomi Kawase’s tale stars Vicky Krieps as a transplant coordinator searching for her vanished partner. It was nominated for the Golden Leopard at the 2025 Locarno Film Festival.
Tanvi the Great (India): Anupam Kher’s film follows Tanvi Raina, a woman with autism, as she fulfills her late father’s dream at Siachen Glacier, and will debut at IFFI.
White Snow (India): Praveen Morchhale’s Urdu-language drama follows a mother defying bans to screen her son’s film in rural areas, critiquing oppression. It is shortlisted for a Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum grant.
Vimukt (India) (English title: In Search of the Sky): Jitank Singh Gurjar’s Braj-language film depicts an elderly couple’s pilgrimage with their disabled son to Maha Kumbh, winning the NETPAC Award at TIFF 2025.
The winner will be announced during IFFI’s closing ceremony. Festival Director Shekhar Kapur noted that the films reflect Gandhi’s principles, promoting dialogue in challenging times. IFFI 2025 is set for November 20-28 in Goa, featuring over 200 films from 75 countries.
Source: Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India
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