Goa: Lithuanian film Toxic, directed by Saulė Bliuvaitė, has won the prestigious Golden Peacock Award for Best Feature Film at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). This highly anticipated announcement underscores Toxic‘s profound impact, with its exploration of adolescence against a backdrop of stark physical and social realities.
The Golden Peacock comes with a trophy, a certificate, and a cash prize of ₹40,00,000, to be shared between director Saulė Bliuvaitė and producer Giedre Burokaite. The jury lauded the film for its “sensitivity and empathy” in portraying the challenges of growing up in an economically deprived society, describing it as a “coming-of-age narrative set amidst contaminated physical and social landscapes.”
Toxic follows the story of 13-year-old Marija, who struggles to fit into the industrial town she inhabits with her grandmother. She develops a tentative bond with Kristina, a rebellious peer, and the two join a local modeling school that promises them a glamorous escape. However, the school’s rigid financial and physical demands push the girls into increasingly extreme measures, highlighting the fragility and resilience of the human body amidst societal pressures.
The film also received recognition for its extraordinary performances. The Best Actor (Female) award was jointly presented to debut actresses Vesta Matulytė and Ieva Rupeikaitė, who portrayed Marija and Kristina, respectively. The jury praised their efforts, stating, “For the extraordinary performances by its two debut-making actresses, who pushed themselves to their physical and emotional limits in creating unforgettable characters.”
Toxic‘s poignant storytelling and exceptional performances have captivated audiences and critics alike, marking it as a standout feature in this year’s festival and solidifying its place in international cinema.
