Taiwanese film 'The Wall' walks away with top IFFI honours

Panaji, Dec 3 (UNI) A film from Taiwan 'The Wall' walked away with the prestigious Golden Peacock having been adjudged the best film in the competition section of the 38th International Film festival of India that came to a close here this evening after 11 eventful days that drew a galaxy of figures from world cinema.

'The Wall' was chosen from 14 films from 13 countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America. Directed by Lin Chih Ju, the film was found by jury as a finely crafted work about dreams, hopes, betrayal and love that depicts ordinary people coping in politically challenging times.

''The filmmaker has created a complete world within four walls of a simple house,'' the Jury said in the citation.

The Golden Peacock carries a cash prize of Rs 10,000,00 and a citation.

The Most Promising Director award went to Mr Pongpat Wachirabunjong of Thailand for his film 'Khaw Hai Rak Johg Jaroen (Me Myself). He got Silver Peacock, a citation and a cash prize of Rs 5,00,000. The film depicts a story of hope for a world without discrimination while recognising the difficulties of coping with being different.

''The Debut director has made a deeply affecting film that expresses the essence of human spirit,'' the Jury said.

The director, however, could not come to receive the award in person as he was shooting in a remote place in Thailand for his new film.

The Special Jury Award by Golam Rabanny Biplob, the writer and director of Bangladeshi film Swopnodanay (On the Wings of Dreams), and Julia Urbini, the child artiste of Mexican film Mas Que A Nada En El Mundo (More Than Anything in the World). They receievd Silver Peacock, a citation and cash prize of Rs 2, 50, 000 each.

The Jury described the Bangladeshi film as a simple realistic story about a poor man who has the chance to dream of another life but discovers the things he already has are important than the dream. ''This classic story has been told simply without western influence and resonates a truth about life for millions of people around the world,'' the Jury added.

About the child actor, the Jury said, '' Playing the child character, Julia Urbini gives an enchanting, nuanced performance that helps make the film special. The film tells the story of a child craving for her mother's love.'' Julia could not make it to the awards ceremony and the award was collected on her behalf by Rossa Carrillo from Mexico. However, Mr Biplob was present to receive his award.

The name of the awardees were read out by well known film actor Kabir Bedi who conducted the proceedings.

Chief Guest was the noted filmmaker from West Bengal Buddhadeb Dasgupta. Kabir Bedi's actress daughter Pooja Bedi, noted filmmaker Shekhar Kapur also attended the closing ceremony along with Goa Governor S C Jamir, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat.

The announcement of award winners was made in the presence of distinguished jury which comprised one of the most significant women directors Hungarian filmamker Marta Meszaros, noted Argentinian filmamker Pablo Cesar, New Zealand director Robert Sarkies and one one of India's most respected filmmakers Shaji N Karun.

Well known Turkish actress Meltem Cumbul who was also on the Jury could not attend the closing function as she had to leave early for her professional commitments.

The 11-day festival was inaugurated by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan here on November 23.

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