A moment from Firaaq

Firaaq, Nandita Das’s critically acclaimed directorial debut, won its eighth international award at the 28th Istanbul Film Festival that concluded on April 19.

The film, which deals with the aftermath of the 2002 Gujarat riots, was awarded the coveted Special Jury Prize for films dealing with Human Rights. The Film Award of the Council of Europe (FACE) was presented to Nandita by Maud de Boer-Buquicchio, the deputy secretary general of the council.

Appreciating the film, Buquicchio said the award was not only for the choice of story but for how it had been told.

The jury in its citation said that “Firaaq courageously deals with the highly sensitive theme of religious intolerance and sectarian strife, showing its terrible consequences. Firaaq also conveys a message of hope and demonstrates that people can make choices”.

Nandita, who received the award, said her true validation had been the heartfelt audience reaction, but a further endorsement from eminent film makers in the jury was most encouraging. “Showing the film in different parts of the world and connecting with audiences reaffirms my faith in the fact that human stories transcend boundaries. This is my first visit to Istanbul, a very special place, and the overwhelming response that Firaaq has got here will always remain memorable to me,” she added.

Firaaq has also won awards in Thessaloniki in Greece, Singapore (three awards), Dubai, Karachi and San Jose, California.