Syrian film 'The Long Night' gets top honour at Osian's

New Delhi, Oct 30 (IANS) Syrian director Hatem Mohammed's 'The Long Night', about political prisoners, got the best film award at the 11th Osian's Cinefan Film Festival of Asian and Arab Cinema that concluded here Friday.

The best actress and actor award went to Iraniana artistes Nigar Jhaverian and Ali Reza respectively for their performance in 'Before the Burial'.

The special jury award went to 'The Wailing Wall', by Elyse Baccar of Tunisia.

'The Long Night' is about four prisoners and how they try to keep their spirits up and what happens when one of them gives up.

'Before The Burial' revolves around Siamak, a medical student who is expelled from university and sent to prison for his political activities. Having become a bus driver after his release, he deeply regrets what has happened to him and decides to undertake some unfinished business before taking leave of the world on his 40th birthday.

Indian director Paresh Kamdar's 'Khargosh', about a young child who is used as a messenger by two lovers, received the best film (Special mention) and the audience award.

It also shared the NETPAC-FIPRESCI award with 'The Long Night'.

The best short film award went to 'The First Film' by Iranian filmmaker Panahi and special mention went to Indian short film 'Vitthal' by Vinoo Chloliparambil.