Swedish film 'Thin Ice' bags best International Film Award

Indore, Feb 3 (UNI) Swedish film 'Thin Ice' -- directed by Haken Berthas -- has bagged the best film award in the International film category at the International Festival of Films on Tribal Art and Culture IFFTAC that concluded here today.

'Itekal Pandunga (Tribal Fertility Rites)' -- produced and directed by Ms Vijaya Pratap -- was selected the best film in national category.

The three-day film festival received more than 250 entries from across 40 countries. The festival -- jointly organised by 'Vanya', an undertaking of the Tribal Welfare Department of the Madhya Pradesh Government and the Indian Infotainment Media Corporation -- was claimed to be the first of its kind focussed on tribals.

In the state category, Ravi Williams-directed 'Oh Lohgundi Raja Ho' -- based on the problems of Agadiya tribes -- was adjudged the best film.

In students category, a film 'Please Don't Disturb Us' -- directed by Mr Yashwanth Reddy and produced by Mr Sriniwas Reddy -- bagged the best film award. Jury award was given to animation film 'The Tallest Story Competition' -- a joint production of India and Scotland with Leslie Mackenzie and Tara Douglas as directors.

The jury comprised scriptwriter Salim Khan, film maker Ramesh Talwar, social worker Shrikant Joshi, actress Rita Bhaduri, film critic J P Choksey, renowned writer Mehrunnisa Parvez, senior journalists Alok Mehta and Tarun Vijay.

UNI AA PS 1845