39th International Film Festival of India Award Winners

These are the award winners announced today.

Golden Peacock for Best Film: Tulpan, Sergei Dvortesevoy, Kazakhstan, Germany, Switzerland, Russia and Poland, 2008
Tulpan is a cinematic triumph. It uses handheld long takes to pull us into this very unique world where man coexists with nature. The images dance beautifully between poetry and realism: that is something only cinema can achieve.

Silver Peacock Most Promising Director: Sergei Dvortesevoy for Tulpan, Kazakhstan, Germany, Switzerland, Russia and Poland, 2008
Tulpan is an epitome of any filmmaker’s courage, persistence and originality. In his debut feature, Mr. Sergey Dvortsevoy’s direction is meticulous in all aspects. And his empathy for the characters will overwhelm audiences everywhere.

Silver Peacock Special Jury Award: Akasa Kusum (Flowers of the Sky) Prasanna Vithanage, Sri Lanka, 2008
Ms Malani Fonseka holds you from the first shot to the end of the film Akasa kusum. From the first closeup, she is subtle, natural and understated. You know right away that she is a diva whether you know Sri Lanka cinema or not. As the film unfolds, it is magical to see her younger film clips as a major star. This is a tribute to her accomplishment and a celebration to cinema.

To check the official press release go here.

I'm really "dying" to see Tulpan, hope I'm able to see it soon!