The Third Wife, a film from Vietnam featuring the story of a 14-year-old girl’s arranged marriage to a married man from an affluent family, won the best film award at the 24th Kolkata International Film Festival.
The producer of the 96-minute film, Tran Thi Bich Ngoc, received the award presented by KIFF jury members on Saturday at the concluding ceremony of the seven-day film festival.
“The film is based on a real-life story witnessed by one of the family members of the crew. At the centre of the story is a 14-year-old who encounters strangers after she is married into a wealthy family,” the producer told The Hindu.
Speaking at the concluding event of the festival, director Shoojit Sircar said that the cash award given at the KIFF is one of highest given at any film festival.
The award for best director in the international competition category went to Abu Bakr Shawky for the Egyptian film Yomeddine (Judgement Day).
The NETPAC (Asian Select) award went to The Sweet Requiem by directors Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam. The film is a drama set within the Tibetan refugee community in India.
In the competition for Indian language films, Widow of Silence, a story from conflict-ridden Kashmir directed by Praveen Morchchale walked away with the top honours.