Tag: Film Awards

Films

Smoke and Mirrors Wins Best Student Short Film at Goa International Film Competition

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Smoke and Mirrors, a Goan psychological thriller directed by Rameez Shaikh, has won the Best Student Short Film award at the prestigious Goa International Film Competition, marking a significant milestone for student cinema from the state. The recognition highlights not only the film’s compelling narrative but also the growing confidence and creative ambition of young filmmakers emerging from Goa.

The film follows the unsettling journey of Maya, a young woman who begins to experience Capgras Syndrome, a rare psychological condition that causes her to believe that people close to her have been replaced by impostors. As Maya struggles to understand her increasingly fractured perception of reality, the line between truth and illusion gradually dissolves. The story builds toward a shocking and unexpected turn, offering a chilling exploration of the human mind and its capacity for self-deception.

Central to the film’s impact are its powerful performances. Prachi Shirodkar delivers a layered and emotionally intense portrayal of Maya, capturing her vulnerability, confusion, and inner turmoil with striking authenticity. Varun Thanki, who plays David, Maya’s husband, brings depth to a role defined by emotional conflict, balancing support with growing uncertainty. Chinmaya Damodlekar, as Dr. Jay, adds subtle nuance to the narrative, further strengthening the film’s psychological tension.

Behind the camera, Smoke and Mirrors is equally notable for the dedication of its crew. Director Rameez Shaikh took on multiple responsibilities, serving as writer, storyteller, cinematographer, and production manager, overseeing nearly every creative aspect of the project. Varun Kashyap contributed significantly as editor and sound designer, while also supporting the production as a spot boy, adding technical precision and on-set efficiency to the film.

Sharvi Dhond played a key role in shaping the film’s story alongside Rameez Shaikh and also handled costume design and makeup, ensuring visual continuity and character authenticity. Poonam Bind managed audio and data coordination, contributing to the smooth execution of the production. Ebenezer Rajamanickam assisted with lighting and camera work, while Craig Rodrigues supported the team as a spot boy, helping maintain a seamless workflow on set.

Smoke and Mirrors was created as a final-year short film for the B.A. Mass Communication course at Don Bosco College, Panjim, under the guidance of Ardra Naik. The film’s success at the Goa International Film Competition stands as a testament to the strength of academic mentorship combined with student-driven creativity.

This recognition not only celebrates the achievement of Rameez Shaikh and his team but also underscores the rising presence of student-led films within the broader Indian film landscape. With its compelling concept, strong performances, and committed crew, Smoke and Mirrors emerges as a remarkable example of the future of Goan cinema.

Films

K-Pop Demon Hunters Wins Big at Critics’ Choice Awards, Strengthening Oscar Buzz

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Netflix’s animated film K-Pop Demon Hunters marked a major milestone in its awards-season journey after clinching two prestigious honours at the 31st Critics’ Choice Awards, held on January 4 at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California. The film was named Best Animated Feature, standing out in a competitive category that included titles such as Zootopia 2, Elio, In Your Dreams, and Arco.

Adding to the night’s success, the film also won Best Original Song for Golden, a track that has quickly become one of the most talked-about pieces from the movie’s soundtrack. With two wins, K-Pop Demon Hunters emerged as one of the ceremony’s notable successes, significantly strengthening its standing as an awards-season frontrunner.

The Critics’ Choice Awards, presented by the Critics’ Choice Association — representing nearly 600 film and television critics across North America — are widely regarded as an early indicator of Academy Awards momentum. Strong performances at this stage often translate into further recognition during the Oscars race.

Beyond cinema, the film’s influence has extended into the music industry. Golden has secured multiple Grammy nominations, including the coveted Song of the Year category. The track is also nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, Best Song Written for Visual Media, and Best Remixed Recording. Additionally, the film’s soundtrack album is competing for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media, bringing the project’s total Grammy nominations to five.

With major wins at the Critics’ Choice Awards and growing traction at the Grammys, K-Pop Demon Hunters is increasingly being viewed as a rare cross-industry success. The film highlights the expanding global reach of Korean-inspired animation and pop culture, proving its ability to resonate with audiences and critics alike across multiple creative platforms.

Films

‘F1’ Crowned Pubity’s 2025 Movie of the Year After Massive Fan Vote

allycaralgoa

The adrenaline-fueled racing spectacle F1 has emerged as Pubity’s 2025 Movie of the Year, following an overwhelming response in the platform’s official fan vote.

According to the final tally, F1 secured 58% of the total votes, comfortably outpacing Disney’s highly anticipated sequel Zootopia 2, which garnered 42%. The results reflect the film’s massive global appeal and its strong emotional and cinematic impact on audiences worldwide.

Blending high-speed Formula One action with gripping storytelling, F1 captured the imagination of moviegoers with its immersive visuals, intense racing sequences, and compelling performances. Fans praised the film for offering an authentic look into the world of elite motorsport while delivering blockbuster-scale entertainment.

The strong showing of Zootopia 2 highlighted continued audience love for animated storytelling, but F1’s decisive victory underscores a growing appetite for sports-driven cinematic experiences that merge realism with drama.

Winning Pubity’s Movie of the Year cements F1’s place as one of the most talked-about and celebrated films of 2025, marking a major milestone in its journey from racetrack to silver screen.

Events in Goa

56th IFFI Concludes with Global Glamour: ‘Skin of Youth’ Wins Golden Peacock, Rajinikanth Felicitated for 50 Years in Cinema

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) came to a vibrant close at the Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Goa, bringing together global filmmakers, artists, and cinephiles for a grand celebration of cinematic artistry. Over nine days, audiences were immersed in powerful stories, thought-provoking narratives, and diverse cultural showcases that lit up screens across the state, making this edition of the festival a memorable tribute to the magic of cinema.

One of the most anticipated moments of the evening was the announcement of the Golden Peacock winner, awarded this year to the Vietnamese film Skin of Youth, written and directed by Ashleigh Mayfair. The jury praised the film for its bold and stylish storytelling, compelling message, and the seamless harmony of its narration, music, and editing. The film was celebrated for its capacity to humanize and illuminate voices seldom heard, promising to linger long in the minds of its viewers.

Among the major honours, Marathi filmmaker Santosh Davakhar received the Silver Peacock for Best Director for Gondhal, a film the jury described as a Shakespearean fable grounded in cultural richness and emotional depth. Ubeimar Rios won the Silver Peacock for Best Male Actor for his powerful performance in the Spanish film A Poet, while Jara Sofija Ostan earned the Silver Peacock for Best Female Actor for her nuanced and expressive portrayal in the Slovenian film Little Trouble Girls. The festival also recognized the exceptional talent of emerging filmmakers, with Iranian filmmaker Hesam Farahmand and Estonian filmmaker Tõnis Pill jointly receiving the Best Debut Director Award for their films My Daughter’s Hair (Raha) and Fränk respectively.

The closing ceremony also shone a spotlight on Indian cinema legend Rajinikanth, who was honoured for completing 50 years in the industry. The celebrated actor expressed heartfelt gratitude, calling the recognition an honour for the entire film fraternity. As dignitaries including Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant and Union MoS Dr. L. Murugan addressed the gathering, they highlighted IFFI’s contributions to India’s cultural legacy and creative economy. The festival’s achievements this year included the successful WAVES Film Bazaar, which generated over ₹1,050 crore in business, the screening of 50 films directed by women, and an array of initiatives supporting young creators and technological innovation.

The Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Shri Sanjay Jaju, emphasized India’s growing role in the “orange economy,” noting that IFFI 2025 had taken major strides in creating opportunities for creators nationwide. The establishment of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology in Mumbai marked another significant step toward nurturing future talent and integrating technology into creative production.

The festival fondly remembered icons of Indian cinema who passed away this year, honouring their irreplaceable contributions. Esteemed personalities including Ramesh Sippy, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Kiran Shantaram, and many others graced the ceremony, reaffirming the festival’s stature as a melting pot of creativity and collaboration. The closing night featured captivating dance performances, cultural displays from the Northeast and Karnataka, artistic showcases by divyang performers, and the inclusion of Indian Sign Language interpreters, reflecting IFFI’s commitment to inclusivity.

New initiatives such as the AI Film Festival and the CinemAI Hackathon captured the spirit of the future, providing platforms for creators to explore AI-driven storytelling and production tools. Workshops, masterclasses, and conversations with cinematic luminaries enriched the knowledge landscape of the festival, offering deeper insights into filmmaking and the evolving global entertainment industry.

As the curtains fell on IFFI 2025, the festival left a lasting impression on audiences and participants worldwide. Its celebration of creativity, innovation, and cinematic diversity strengthened its position as a global cultural beacon. With anticipation already building for the next edition, IFFI continues to serve as a powerful platform for storytelling excellence, artistic recognition, and the flourishing of the creative economy.

Films

Female-Driven Crime Noir ‘Project Y’ Wins Best Film at 10th London East Asia Film Festival

Tanisha Cardozo

Director Lee Hwan’s crime noir ‘Project Y,’ featuring Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo, has won the Best Film award at the 10th London East Asia Film Festival (LEAFF) held on November 2, 2025, in London. Celebrated for its gripping narrative and innovative female-centric storytelling, the film impressed the jury with a fresh take on noir, centering women’s experiences in a story of ambition, betrayal, and survival.

Set against the contrasting backdrop of Seoul’s glamorous yet gritty Gangnam nightlife, ‘Project Y’ follows childhood friends Mi-sun (Han So-hee) and Do-kyung (Jeon Jong-seo), both in their early thirties. Facing the harsh realities of poverty, the duo plans a high-stakes heist to steal hidden cash and gold bars worth 8 billion KRW, seeking one last chance at freedom. What unfolds is a suspenseful chain of events filled with tension, moral ambiguity, and shifting loyalties.

The jury praised the film for subverting traditional noir tropes, putting female agency and perspective at the forefront. By exploring ambition, survival, and ethical complexity through strong female leads, ‘Project Y’ opens new possibilities for storytelling in Asian cinema.

Supporting performances by Kim Shin-rok as the senior figure Ga-young and Kim Sung-cheol as the antagonist “Boss To” heighten the stakes, while Lee Hwan’s signature realistic and intense directorial style elevates the film’s impact.

LEAFF also honored Kang Yoon-sung’s ‘Run to The’ with the Future of Asia Cinema Award, and closed with the sold-out screening of ‘Kokuho’ by Korean-Japanese director Lee Sang-il. Executive Director Jeon Hye-jung highlighted the festival’s growth into a key platform for Asian cinema in the UK, applauding the daring experimentation and anticipating continued innovation in the years ahead.

With its bold narrative, powerful female leads, and stylish execution, ‘Project Y’ marks a milestone in Asian crime cinema, establishing a new benchmark for the genre on the international stage.