The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2025), in collaboration with the International Council for Film, Television and Audiovisual Communication (ICFT), is presenting its annual ICFT, UNESCO Gandhi Medal, an award recognising films that uphold UNESCO’s ideals of tolerance, intercultural dialogue, and a global culture of peace. Introduced at the 46th IFFI in 2016, the medal has become one of the festival’s most respected honours, celebrating cinema that inspires compassion, harmony, and social responsibility
This year, ten films from across the globe are competing for the prestigious medal, representing countries including the UK, Norway, Kosovo, Iraq, Chile, Japan, and India. The lineup features Brides (UK), Hana (Kosovo), K Poper (Iran), The President's Cake (USA, Iraq, Qatar), Safe House (Norway), Tanvi The Great (India), The Wave (Chile), Vimukt (India), White Snow (India), and Yakushima’s Illusion (Belgium, France, Japan, Luxembourg)
The ICFT, UNESCO Gandhi Medal jury for IFFI 2025 is chaired by Dr Prof Ahmed Bedjaoui (Algeria), with members Xueyuan Hun (China), Serge Michel (France), Tobias Biancone (Switzerland), and Georges Dupont (Luxembourg). Speaking at a press conference organised by PIB, acclaimed filmmaker Manouj Kadaamh, Honorary Representative of ICFT, UNESCO Paris, said the award recognises films that reflect humanitarian values through visuals promoting non-violence, social justice, and communal harmony. He noted that 2025 marks the eleventh year of ICFT’s partnership with IFFI, underscoring a shared mission to promote meaningful cinema
Kadaamh also highlighted ICFT’s legacy, saying the organisation, founded in 1956, is the world’s oldest association for film technicians and continues to explore diverse audiovisual themes. Speaking on emerging trends, he remarked on AI in filmmaking, noting that while AI can assist in creating challenging scenes, “there has to be a human element in films, emotions cannot be computerized”
Pankaj Saxena, Artistic Director (Programming), NFDC, emphasised that the Gandhi Medal is one of IFFI’s three main competitions, with a mandate to bring civilizations and cultures together through cinema promoting peace and prosperity. He also highlighted the growing presence of women filmmakers at the festival and stressed the importance of films that elevate cinematic taste, maintain artistic integrity, and responsibly portray human realities
Named after Mahatma Gandhi, the ICFT, UNESCO Gandhi Medal honours films that embody peace, non-violence, and intercultural understanding. Recognised globally, it celebrates works that combine artistic excellence with themes of inclusivity, social awareness, and ethical reflection. Over the years, it has spotlighted filmmakers whose narratives foster compassion, unity, and dialogue among cultures, affirming cinema’s power to illuminate humanity and build bridges across societies
