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Sri Lankan war film wins top honour at Bangkok fest
DPA

Bangkok, Oct 24 (DPA) "Forsaken Land", a controversial film by an exiled Sri Lankan director, won top honours at the 3rd World Film Festival of Bangkok, local media reported Monday.

The film by director Vimukthi Jayasundara, which depicts the anguish of ordinary people during the protracted Sri Lankan civil war, was the favourite for the Best Film award at the 11-day festival that ended Monday.

"The film features unique cinematography. Its powerful imagery portrays the life of ordinary people in an atmosphere of fear," French film critic and festival juror Nadine Tarbouriech was quoted as saying by the Nation newspaper.

The 28-year-old director, who now lives in Paris, called the award a key validation, as the film was condemned by some top military officers in his own country, one of whom suggested he be sentenced to death.

"I'm pleased because many people think that I made this film for Westerners. As an Asian, I always make films for my country and for Asians. This award from Thailand proves at least that I made this film for Asians," Vimukthi said in his acceptance speech.

The Russian drama "4" by Ilya Khrzhanovsky won the award for Artistic Direction. "Grand Voyage", a film by Moroccan director Ismael Serrouji, took the People's Choice award.

The documentary "Days of Santiago", won the Best Script award, while the Jury Award went to the Israeli drama "Turn Left at the End of the World", by Avi Nesher.

Indo-Asian News Service