Vietnamese Drama 'Skin of Youth' Wins Top Prize at International Film Festival of India for Transgender Storyline

The 56th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) wrapped up in Goa with Vietnamese filmmaker Ash Mayfairs Skin of Youth winning the Golden Peacock for Best Feature Film in the international competition. The movie explores the intense relationship between San, a transgender sex worker seeking gender-affirming surgery, and Nam, an underground cage fighter determined to provide for his son. The film was acclaimed for its striking visual style and compelling performances.

The award carries a cash prize of INR 40 lakh (approximately $44,800) and was presented by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs L. Murugan. The jury lauded the film as gripping from the opening frame, highlighting its cinematography, production design, evocative music, and precise editing.

The closing ceremony, held at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, also celebrated superstar Rajinikanth for completing 50 years in Indian cinema across Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada films. With over 170 films to his credit, Rajinikanth received a heartfelt tribute. Reflecting on his career, he said, Looking back, it feels as if time has flown, because I love cinema and acting. I would embrace a hundred lifetimes as an actor as Rajinikanth.

Other major awards included the Best Director prize, awarded to Santosh Davakhar for the Marathi thriller Gondhal. Ubeimar Ros received the Silver Peacock for Best Actor (Male) for his role in the Colombian film A Poet (Un Poeta), while Jara Sofija Ostan won the Silver Peacock for Best Actor (Female) for the Slovenian film Little Trouble Girls. Each acting award carried a cash prize of INR 10 lakh (around $11,200).

The Best Debut Feature Film award was shared by Hesam Farahmand for the Iranian film My Daughters Hair (Raha) and Tnis Pill for the Estonian film Frnk. The U.K.-Nigerian film My Fathers Shadow, directed by Akinola Davies Jr., received the Special Jury Award. In collaboration with the International Council for Film, Television and Audiovisual Communication (ICFT), the festival also presented the ICFTUNESCO Gandhi Medal to Norwegian director Eirik Svensson for Safe House (Fr Mrket), a real-time drama set during the 2013 civil war in the Central African Republic, praised for its portrayal of ethical dilemmas faced by humanitarian workers.

Additional honors included Best Debut Director of an Indian Feature Film, awarded to Karan Singh Tyagi for the Hindi film Kesari Chapter 2, and the Best Web Series award, won by Prime Videos Bandish Bandits Season 2.

The finale featured a mix of folk traditions, classical performances, and contemporary art, highlighting Indias cultural richness. Dignitaries in attendance included Information & Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju, jury chair Rakesh Omprakash Mehra, festival director Shekhar Kapur, and actors Ranveer Singh and Rishabh Shetty.

With the closing ceremony, IFFI 2025 concluded nine days of film screenings, panel discussions, celebrations, and premieres. The festivals market segment, the WAVES Film Bazaar, took place from November 20 to 24.

Reflections on IFFI 2025: A Celebratory Conclusion

The 56th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) concluded on a high note, underscoring the festival’s ever-growing importance in the global film industry. This year’s edition showcased a wide range of stories and experiences that reflect the diversity and evolving nature of cinema across the world.

Vietnamese filmmaker Ash Mayfair’s "Skin of Youth" rightfully took home the Golden Peacock for Best Feature Film, impressing the jury with its powerful exploration of identity and gender. This film stood out not only for its gripping narrative but also for its technical excellence in cinematography, editing, and music. The award is a reminder that cinema, when crafted thoughtfully, can transcend boundaries and connect audiences to universal themes.

The recognition of Rajinikanth’s 50 years in Indian cinema was an emotional highlight of the festival. As one of the most influential actors across multiple regional industries, his tribute reflects both the legacy of Indian cinema and its continued global influence. Rajinikanth's words about his love for acting were a fitting tribute to his contribution to the art form.

Beyond the big wins, IFFI also spotlighted up-and-coming talents. The joint recognition of Hesam Farahmand and Tõnis Pill for Best Debut Feature Film shows that the festival is equally committed to nurturing new voices in filmmaking. The inclusion of international narratives, like Eirik Svensson’s “Safe House” and Akinola Davies Jr.'s "My Father’s Shadow," also reflects IFFI’s broader focus on global issues, from the ethical challenges faced by humanitarian workers to personal struggles in conflict zones.

All in all, IFFI 2025 was a testament to the power of cinema to tell important, diverse stories. The festival not only celebrated established icons but also ensured that emerging filmmakers had their moment in the spotlight. As the festival continues to grow, it serves as a crucial platform for cross-cultural dialogue, artistic collaboration, and the global exchange of ideas.

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• Transgender Vietnamese Drama ‘Skin of Youth’ Wins Top Prize at International Film Festival of India