What is the IFFI's Best Debut Feature Film of a Director Award?

The IFFI's Best Debut Feature Film of a Director Award is a prestigious prize given to one of the 7 first-time filmmakers featured in the festival's competitive section. The winner receives a Silver Peacock trophy, INR10 lakh ($11,270), and a certificate of commendation.

Who is leading the jury for the IFFI's Best Debut Feature Film of a Director Award?

The jury evaluating the competition is led by acclaimed Indian director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, who is joined by an international panel including Australian editor-director Graeme Clifford, German actor Katharina Schüttler, Sri Lankan filmmaker Chandran Rutnam, and English cinematographer Remi Adefarasin.

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Emerging Directors Compete for Top Prize at IFFI

Q: Which Nepali film is generating buzz at IFFI 2025?

The Nepali-language film "Shape of Momo," directed by Tribeni Rai, has already gained notable festival credentials, including being spotlighted at the HAF Goes to Cannes market showcase and selected as a Film Bazaar Work-in-Progress before premiering at the Busan International Film Festival and competing for the New Directors Award at the San Sebastián International Film Festival.

8 Nov

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Summary

IFFI to showcase 7 debut films in competitive section
Indian director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra leads the jury
Nepali film 'Shape of Momo' a festival favorite

Emerging Directors Compete for Top Prize at IFFI

The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), taking place in November 2025, is set to showcase the work of emerging directors through a competitive section featuring 7 first-time filmmakers from around the world. The festival's Best Debut Feature Film of a Director Award will be judged by a jury led by acclaimed Indian director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, who is joined by an international panel of industry experts.

Among the international entries vying for the top prize is the Nepali-language film "Shape of Momo," which has already earned notable festival credentials. The film, directed by Tribeni Rai, was previously spotlighted at the HAF Goes to Cannes market showcase and selected as a Film Bazaar Work-in-Progress before premiering at the Busan International Film Festival and competing for the New Directors Award at the San Sebastián International Film Festival.

The IFFI competition also includes several other debut features, such as the Spanish film "Fury" by Gemma Blasco, which examines the aftermath of sexual violence, and the German-language "Karla" by Christina Tournatzés, which dramatizes a true story of a young girl's legal action against her father's abuse. With a diverse lineup of emerging talent, the 56th IFFI promises to shine a spotlight on the next generation of filmmaking voices.

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