```html Cannes Winner 'The President's Cake' Leads ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal Competition at IFFI Goa The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa has announced the ten films vying for the prestigious ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal, an award recognizing cinematic works that promote peace, tolerance, and intercultural understanding. This year's selection boasts a diverse range of narratives from across the globe, tackling themes of conflict, social justice, and personal resilience.

Promoting Gandhian Ideals Through Cinema Instituted at the 46th edition of IFFI, the Gandhi Medal is presented in collaboration with the International Council for Film and Television (ICFT) Paris, under the aegis of UNESCO. The award celebrates films that embody Mahatma Gandhi's ideals of non-violence, compassion, and social harmony. The winning film will be selected by a jury of international film experts and cultural figures.

'The President's Cake' Heads the Competition Leading the pack is Iraqi filmmaker Hasan Hadi's critically acclaimed debut, "The President's Cake." The film, which secured both the Audience Award and the Caméra d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival's Directors' Fortnight, is Iraq's official submission for the International Feature Oscar at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards. "The President's Cake" tells the story of nine-year-old Lamia in 1990s Iraq, struggling to bake a birthday cake for Saddam Hussein amidst crippling UN sanctions and widespread political turmoil. “'The President’s Cake' offers a poignant glimpse into the everyday struggles of ordinary people living under extraordinary circumstances,” explains film critic Aisha Hassan. "Its success at Cannes highlights the growing recognition of Iraqi cinema on the international stage and the power of storytelling to transcend cultural barriers.”

Diverse Lineup of Contenders The competition also includes Sebastián Lelio's musical drama "The Wave," which premiered at Cannes. Inspired by the 2018 Chilean feminist protests, "The Wave" centers on a university student grappling with the aftermath of sexual assault against the backdrop of a burgeoning feminist movement. Nadia Falls' "Brides," a British-Muslim coming-of-age drama exploring themes of radicalization and identity, adds another layer of complexity to the selection. Eirik Svensson's "Safe House," winner of the Audience Dragon Award at the Göteborg Film Festival, offers a harrowing depiction of the 2013 Central African Republic civil war through the lens of a Doctors Without Borders hospital.

"Hana" (Kosovo): Ujkan Hysaj's debut explores art therapy for war survivors. "K Poper" (Iran): Ebrahim Amini's film follows a teen obsessed with K-pop. "Yakushima's Illusion" (Japan): Kawase Naomi's existential drama starring Vicky Krieps. "Tanvi the Great" (India): Anupam Kher's film about a woman with autism. "White Snow" (India): Praveen Morchhale's Urdu drama about censorship. "Vimukt" ("In Search of The Sky") (India): Jitank Singh Gurjar's film about a pilgrimage.

Historical Context and the Enduring Power of Socially Conscious Cinema The ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal has become an increasingly important platform for recognizing films that tackle pressing social issues. In an era of global conflict and political division, the award serves as a reminder of the power of cinema to promote empathy, understanding, and dialogue. The focus on films that honor Gandhi’s legacy also connects contemporary filmmaking with a long tradition of socially conscious art that seeks to challenge injustice and inspire positive change. "The film industry, historically, has played a crucial role in reflecting and shaping societal values," notes Professor David Miller, a scholar of film and social change at the University of Southern California. "Awards like the Gandhi Medal not only celebrate artistic achievement but also underscore the responsibility of filmmakers to engage with the world's most pressing challenges."

Jury Composition The jury overseeing this year's competition comprises Ahmed Bedjaoui, artistic director of the International Film Festival of Algiers; Xueyan Hun, vice-president of ICFT; Serge Michel, vice president of UNICA; Tobias Biancone, former director-general of the International Theatre Institute; and Georges Dupont, director-general of ICFT. ```