The last Indian film to win the prestigious FIPRESCI award was director, Adoor Gopalakrishnan’s film Mathilukal in 1990. Now, 30 years later Chaitanya Tamhane‘s The Disciple has won the award at the 2020 Venice Film Festival.
Last week, the film had its premiere at the Biennale, where it received rave reviews. It follows the story of classical musicians on the verge of success.
FIPRESCI (short for Federation Internationale de la Presse CInematographique) is an award which The International Federation of Film Critics presents. It further aims to promote and develop film culture, and safeguards professional interests.
In 1930, the organization came into existence in Brussels, Belgium. Its members include professional film critics and film journalists from around the world.
After winning the prestigious award, director Tamhane, in a statement said :
“I want to thank the FIPRESCI and its jury members from the bottom of my heart for their continued support for our work. This is a very special honor for us given that the jury for this award comprises film critics and journalists from around the world. We are all quite thrilled and excited about this fantastic start to the journey of The Disciple.”
Further echoing his sentiments, producer, Vivek Gomber said :
“It’s an incredible honor to be the first Indian film after thirty years to win this prestigious award at Venice. FIPRESCI’s faith in our work has been a great source of encouragement over the years.”
While the film has won the award, it is also the first Indian film in 20 years after Mira Nair’s Monsoon Wedding in Venice, to be selected for the main competition at a European film festival.
Earlier Tamhane’s debut film ‘Court’, had its premiere at the Horizons category at the Venice film festival in 2016.