Indore, Feb 4: The first International Film festival on Tribal Arts & Culture concluded here on Sunday with a Swedish film -- `Thin Ice', directed by Heckar Berthan being declared as the best international film. Peru's ambassador to India, Carlos, A Eri Godan was the chief guest of the concluding ceremony.

The best national film award was given to Tribal Fertility Film Right, while a film made by any tribal director, was given to Sawani of Georgia. This film is directed by Joseb. The best film award in students category was given to the film `Please Do'nt disturb us' directed by an Indian student M Yashwant Reddy. The jury award was given to the film `The tallest story compassion' produced jointly by Indian and Scotland. This film is directed by Lesle Mecanji and Tara Doughlas.

State education minister Laxman Singh Gaud addressing the concluding ceremony of the film festival said that quiet often the depiction of tribal life becomes a subject of humour, whereas serious films need to be made on their lives and culture. Describing the tribals a disciplined lot, Gaud said that it has been observed that very often in the Mumbai film industry, the tribals are portrayed merely for dancing and those who offer sacrifices but in reality they are quiet disciplined and have a sense of responsible ness and commitment towards the nation as well as the society.

Talking about his `Shivganga Abhiyan', the education minister said that in Dhar and Jhabua districts, the tribals have constructed over 2500 ponds but ironically they are deprived of their rights even after so many years of independence. He underlined the need of making films on tribals which could reflect the truth of their lives as well as their exploitation to the society and the government.

State tribal welfare minister, Vijay Shah said that the tribal culture was not merely restricted to any particular region, rather it is spread all across the world. He said the Madhya Pradesh government was doing the needful to promote tribal culture and accordingly it will produce films on the role and sacrifice made by TatyaBhil in the freedom struggle.

On the occasion, Madhya Pradesh Jangarh award constituted to encourage tribal artistes, was given to painter Dilip Shyam. Awards were also given to the winners of the National Photo exhibition and accordingly Upendra Upadhyay, Shivnath Basu and Lokendra Singh Kaat were given first, second and third prizes respectively.