The International Film Festival of India (IFFI), held annually in Goa, is one of Asia’s most prestigious film festivals. Organised by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and the Entertainment Society of Goa, IFFI celebrates movies from around the world that inspire, innovate, and push creative boundaries.
Each year, filmmakers, actors, producers, and movie lovers come together to “Celebrate the Joy of Cinema,” as the festival screens global films, hosts masterclasses, and honours cinematic excellence.
The ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal is one of the largest sections of the festival, given to films that reflect Mahatma Gandhi and his ideals of peace, non-violence, empathy and social harmony.
ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal 2025: Full List of Nominated Films
Brides by Nadia Falls (United Kingdom)
Brides is an emotional and touching British drama that detects emotional and psychological experiences of girls who are tied by social pressure. The movie tracks several women main characters whose lives get bound together as they face the burden of convention, identity, and independence. The book Nadia Falls depicts the hardships of womanhood in its unadulterated form and how bravery can change fates. Brides reflects on the themes of equality between genders, dignity, and empowerment through strong acting and personal storytelling, and it fits the spirit of the Gandhi Medal with all its focus on human rights and compassion.
Hana by Ujkan Hysaj (Kosovo)
Hana tells the unforgettable story of a young girl finding her voice in a society torn between the past and the future. Set against the scenic yet conflicted backdrop of Kosovo, the film captures her quiet rebellion as she searches for acceptance, identity, and peace. Director Ujkan Hysaj builds a glorious juxtaposition between innocence and hardship, and how withstandability can be flowered even in the tough conditions. The movie is rich in emotions, symbolic imagery, and the human lesson about inner power which makes it a good candidate to the Gandhi Medal.
K-Poper by Ebrahim Amini (Iran)
This is an Iranian movie about a teenager who is obsessed with K-pop and relies on music to avoid socio-political conflicts surrounding him. K-Poper is not simply a movie about fandom- it is a movie about dreams and identity and the therapeutic effect of art. Ebrahim Amini blends humour, realism, and cultural nuance to show how global pop culture influences young minds across borders. The protagonist’s journey toward hope, self-expression, and freedom beautifully resonates with messages of unity and peace.
The President’s Cake by Hasan Hadi (Iraq)
The President Cake is a sorrowful but hopeful Iraqi film about a boy who wants to make the best cake on a national occasion. The film embodies the plight of the average families amidst political and social insecurities through his eyes. Hasan Hadi has skillfully combined innocence and brutal reality, causing the viewer to consider the conflict, hope and humanity. Its message, which is to find joy in the disorder, perfectly reflects Gandhian principle of perseverance, empathy, and peace.
La Ola by Sebastian Lelio (Chile)
La Ola is a bright and aesthetic drama directed by the Oscar-winning Chilean filmmaker Sebastian Lelio and focuses on the impact of social movements on daily life. The narrative is based on interlinked characters struggling to bring justice, equality, and dignity to a society that is fast evolving. Lelio employs imagery and stratified narration to demonstrate that a single brave deed could lead to a ripple of change. Beautifully representative of Gandhi and his ideas of non-violent resistance and communal awakening, La Ola is deep-emotional and socially-conscious.
Yakushima’s Illusion by Naomi Kawase (Japan)
This Japanese movie is set in the mystical wilderness of Yakushima, where spiritual subjects are intertwined with beautiful shots. Naomi Kawase narrates about a woman who seeks meaning in life, with guidance of nature, memories and traditional folklore. Illusion by Yakushima explores the themes of healing, inner peace, and harmony with the world-themes that are deeply embedded in the philosophy of Gandhi. The emotional resonance of the film is created by its meditative pace and delicate beauty.
Tanvi The Great by Anupam Kher (India)
Tanvi The Great is a significant Indian debut, a film directed by veteran actor-filmmaker Anupam Kher. It is based on the story of the young girl Tanvi whose will and kindness help her to overcome the problems in the world around her. The movie is about the power of young people, positive mentality, and the impact of good actions. The emotional direction and great acting of Kher makes it a heartwarming, inspirational movie that fits perfectly well with the message of the Gandhi medal of selfless action and kindness.
White Snow by Praveen Morchhale (India)
White Snow by Praveen Morchhale is a silent, reflective movie exploring human interactions within a social context. Morchhale, who has a minimalist style, narrates a sensitive tale of hope, moral courage and human connection. Thematically the film deals with the issues of justice, dignity and the need to speak up, without being preachy which is a Gandhian belief. It has a unique appeal due to its detailed emotional nature and visual simplicity.
In Search of the Sky by Jitank Singh Gurjar (India)
In Search of the Sky is a lyrical Indian tragedy centered around the character who dreams of a life beyond society and circumstance restrictions. Jitank Singh Gurjar develops a thought-provoking story of ambition, identity, and the desire to be free that is universal. This film demonstrates that hope can be made to live even in the most challenging circumstances and hence is a good embodiment of Gandhian thought. Its inspiring plot is easy to relate to.
Safe House by Eirik Svensson (Norway).
Safe House is a captivating Norwegian drama that explores the emotional and ethical multi-facets of defense, trust and survival. The film is directed by Eirik Svensson and it follows people who are in a safe house and escape danger, persecution or conflict. The film enforces several themes of humanity, compassion, and the necessity to be safe, which is universal as the stories intertwine. Svensson introduces a fine line of tension and sympathy, demonstrating that goodwill and bravery can be life rafts during the time of crisis. Its powerful humanitarian appeal fits perfectly with the Gandhian ideals of peace, protection and non-violence.
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