East Timor's first feature film 'Beatriz's War' was adjudged the best movie at the 44th edition of the International Film Festival of India, which concluded here today.
The film, collaboration between East Timor and Australia, is directed by Luigi Acquisto and Bety Reis. It is a passionate love story about one woman's conviction to remain true to the man she loves and the country for which she fought.
Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh, yesteryear Bollywood diva Asha Parekh and Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari gave away the award to the cast and crew of the film.
"It is an honour to win this prestigious award. It is the first film from my country and I cannot believe that it has been received so well by the audience. This film is about rights of human being. I hope that this honour will inspire many filmmakers from my country to make more cinema," a teary-eyed Reis said after receiving the award along with her co-director Acquisto, producer and actors.
The award comprises of the Golden Peacock, a certificate and a cash prize of Rs 40 lakhs.
The Best Director award went to acclaimed Bengali filmmaker Kaushik Ganguly for 'Apur Panchali'. The movie is a real life story inspired by Subir Bannerjee, the child actor who played the iconic role of Apu in Satyajit Ray's 'Pather Panchali'.
The director, who is currently shooting in Germany and was not present to accept the honour, was hailed for a clever and commendable tribute to the great master Ray.
Israeli actor Alon Moni Aboutboul won the best actor trophy for his cruel yet sensitive performance in 'Place in Heaven'.
The director of the film Yossi Madmoni received the award on behalf of the actor.
The Best Actor (Female) award went to Polish actress Magdalena Boczarska for her intense and strong portrayal of a victim, who turns an oppressor in Jan Kidawa-Blonski's 'In Hiding'.
This is Boczarska's second win at IFFI. She previously won the same award in 2010 for her Polish film 'Little Rose'.
"I think I should shift to India. I am so happy that I have won again. This was the most difficult and important role of my film career so far and I am happy to have been bestowed this honour for this movie," Boczarska said.
