Final Solutions, a feature-length documentary based on the post-Godhra violence in Gujarat, bagged two awards at the recent 54th Berlin International Film Festival.
Rakesh Sharma's film won the Wolfgang Staudte Award and the Special Jury Award at the festival. Called an 'epic documentary focussing on the culture of hatred and indifference,' it is the first Indian film to win the Wolfgang Staudte Award, which is instituted after the famous German director. It carries a cash prize of 10,000 Euros.
The Jury Award was presented to the film because it clarified issues that 'spawned hate and violence between Hindus and Muslims in Gujarat, its analysis of propoganda mechanisms for poltical purposes, and its measured voice to seek a final solution to the conflict.'
The other Indian films invited to the festival in international forum of new cinema section included Hazaaron Khwahishen Aisi by Sudhir Mishra, Maqbool by Vishal Bharadwaj, Kal Ho Naa Ho by Nikhil Advani and Hava Aaney De by Partho Sengupta.
Final Solutions was rejected by the recently concluded Mumbai International Film Festival, but screened at the parallel festival, Vikalp.