The first edition of the Indian Ocean International Film Festival was held on 28 April at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Indian Culture. Mauritian and foreign filmmakers performed in different categories. The festival was jointly organised by the Indian Ocean Film Association and the Mauritius Film Development Corporation.
Henry Rotile
Founded a year ago, the Indian Ocean Film Association wanted to honour both established and emerging talents. For this festival, the association received about 100 applications from all over the world: “We launched the festival in 2022. We had submissions from Mauritius, Canada, India, Brazil, Portugal among others. Out of 100 entries, 50 were selected and then screened under the expert eyes of the jury members,” explains Varun Nunkoo – the founder and president of the Indian Ocean Film Association.
25 awards were given out, several of which went to our compatriots. The award for best short film went to Ashok Ramrooch. Nicolas Veerabadren received the award for best debutant director. Naglaa Bodhun won the prize for best actress in Geet Gawai.
It should be noted that this festival will be an annual event from now on.
