​'Two Seasons, Two Strangers' bags Golden Crow Pheasant Award at IFFK 2025; 'Before the Body' directors win Silver Crow Pheasant

​Thiruvananthapuram: The 30th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) concluded here with the film 'Two Seasons, Two Strangers' winning the prestigious Suvarna Chakoram (Golden Crow Pheasant Award) for Best Film. The award was presented at Nishagandhi, along with a trophy and a cash prize of ₹20 lakh.

​The Rajata Chakoram (Silver Crow Pheasant) for Best Director was awarded to Carina Piazza and Lucia Bracelis for 'Before the Body'.

​The Silver Crow Pheasant award for Best Debut Director was awarded to Tanushree Das and Saumyananda Sahi, the directors of 'Shadowbox'. The duo also bagged the K R Mohanan Award for Best Debut Indian Directors.

'​Two Seasons, Two Strangers', directed by Sho Miyake and adapted from Yoshiharu Tsuge’s manga, follows the story of a scriptwriter, Lee, as she navigates emotional upheavals across two seasons while trying to make sense of her life. 

The Japanese director Sho Miyake is known for his sensitive portrayal of human connection, struggle, and loneliness; his films often highlight the essence of contemporary Japanese life and relationships.

​The FIPRESCI Award for Best Film in the International Competition section was won by 'Khidki Gaav', directed by Sanju Surendran.

'​Thanthapperu' (Life of a Phallus), directed by Unnikrishnan Avala, received the Special Jury Award. The film also won the Audience Poll Award for the most popular film.
​Fazil Razak won the FIPRESCI Award for Best Debut Malayalam Director for 'Moham'.

​In the NETPAC awards, Cinema Jazira was selected as the Best Asian Film. In the Malayalam cinema category, Khidki Gaav and Thanthapperu achieved notable recognition. 'Black Rabbit White Rabbit' received a Special Jury Mention for technical excellence, while Tilottama Shome earned a Special Jury Mention for Acting for her performance in Shadowbox.

​Abderrahmane Sissako receives Lifetime Achievement Award
At the function, renowned filmmaker Abderrahmane Sissako was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan presented the award, which carries a cash prize of ₹10 lakh, a statuette, and a citation.

​Expressing happiness on receiving the honour, Sissako described the award as a great moment in his life. Recalling his long-standing association with Kerala through cinema, Sissako said that it was renowned director Shaji N Karun who introduced him to Kerala and who has always stood by him like a brother in cinema.

​Reflecting on the larger connection between India and Africa, Sissako said that both share a vast and meaningful relationship and stand as expansive and significant cultural spaces.