Disgrace, a searing drama set in post-apartheid South Africa, scooped the Black Pearl award for best picture at the climax on Sunday of the Middle East International Film Festival.
The movie, based on a novel of the same name by Nobel laureate J.M.
Coetzee and starring US actor John Malkovich, was directed by Steve Jacobs. It was awarded the first prize of $200,000.
A total of 76 feature films and 34 shorts were submitted from filmmakers in 34 countries for the festival, which began on Oct. 10, according to organizers. -AFP
Main awards:
Best film: Disgrace by Steve Jacobs ($200,000).
Best documentary: Stranded by Gonzalo Arijon ($150,000).
Special jury prize: Youssou N Dour: I Bring What I Love documentary by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi ($125,000).
Best actress: Ilham Shaheen for her role in Fawzia: A Special Blend ($75,000).
Best Actor: Luca Zingaretti for his role in Wild Blood ($75,000).
Best artistic contribution: Rashid Masharawi, scene writer for Laila s Birthday ($75,000).
Best short film: The View by Hazim Bitar and Rifqi Assaf ($75,000).
