49th International Film Festival of India

The 49th International Film Festival of India was a film festival held from 20 to 28 November 2018 in Goa. In the 49th event new sections such as "Sketch on Screen (Animation Film Package)", "A Retrospective of Masters" are inculcated. 212 films were being showcased during the event, with Israel being the country of focus.

Winners

 * Golden Peacock (Best Film): Donbass by Sergei Loznitsa
 * IFFI Best Director Award: Lijo Jose Pellissery for Ee.Ma.Yau
 * IFFI Best Actor Award (Male): Silver Peacock Award: Chemban Vinod Jose for Ee.Ma.Yau
 * IFFI Best Actor Award (Female): Silver Peacock Award: Anastasiia Pustovit for When the Trees Fall
 * IFFI ICFT UNESCO Gandhi Medal: Praveen Morchhale for Walking With the Wind
 * IFFI Best Debut Director Award: Treb Monteras II for Respeto
 * Silver Peacock Special Jury Award: Milko Lazarov for "Ága"
 * Special Mention: Chezhiyan for To Let (India)

Special Awards

 * Life Time Achievement Award - Dan Wolman
 * IFFI Indian Film Personality of the Year Award: Salim Khan

Opening Film

 * The Aspern Papers

Closing Film

 * Sealed Lips

Controversy
On 22 November 2018 delegates who had gathered to watch the Danish crime thriller The Guilty began protesting at Kala Academy when they were not allowed to enter the theater. This led to a clash between them and the organizers. In the resulting argument, Rajendra Talak, vice-chairman of the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), was quoted as asking delegates from Kerala to "go back home". A complaint was filed by Kerala-based director Kamal KM to IFFI CEO, Ameya Abhyankar. Following this, 29 other Malayali delegates, including 11 National Film winners like Dileesh Pothen and Dr Biju, signed a petition requesting a formal apology from Talak. When asked to comment, Talak replied that he had told the delegates to go back as the show was housefull.