The two speeches were full of personal and professional references to the ties linking the two directors to one another's country, in a clear example of how culture is a powerful tool for rapprochement, exchange, knowledge and growth for people and societies alike.
In a moving speech, Zoya Akhtar revealed the ties that link her to Spain and Spanish cinema. She was thankful for the award as it represents a major recognition to her film-making career and her latest film, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. She also stated she was proud to share it with Carlos Saura, a director she's always looked up to, she considered the award to be “an honour” and she dedicated some moving words to the Spanish film-maker, thanking him for the influence of his movies on her career.
Zoya Akhtar described how she had the chance to capture the beauty of Spain and the spirit of its people on her film “in a way that had never been done before in India.” “That decision changed my life,” she explained in her speech, not only for the success and recognition achieved through the film, but also for the personal and emotional ties created with the country.
In his speech, Carlos Saura explained he had always been “truly obsessed with finding the link between flamenco and Indian dance and culture.” As a result of his thorough research, his show “Flamenco India” has recently been launched, which masterfully links the paths of the two cultures through time and space. Saura also showed his interest in continuing to work along these lines.
Carlos Saura also showed his gratitude towards the Spain India Council Foundation for recognising his work with this award and towards Her Majesty the Queen, who presided over the ceremony.
