"Dharm" wins AFFF 2007 award

Mumbai, Dec 5 (UNI) ''Dharm'', director Bhavna Talwar's debut film, has been adjudged the Best Film at the Third Asian Festival of First Films (AFFF 2007) in Singapore.

The film which depicts a Pundit's journey from ritualism to reality, topped other contenders like ''Beautiful'' directed by Shaun Newcombe (Australia), ''The Last Queen of Earth'' directed by Mohammad Reza Arab (Iran), and ''Weed'' directed by Wang Liren (China).

Reacting to the victory, Bhavna Talwar said, ''I'm overjoyed! I am glad that a large and varied audience at the festival had an opportunity to see the film. While my film explores religious undercurrents in India, Dharm also conveys a message of hope and shows the world that all is not lost''.

Dharm was the closing film at the Indian section of Tous Les Cinemas du Monde at the Cannes International Film Festival 2007 and had courted controversy regarding India's official nomination in the Foreign Language Film catagory for the 80th Academy Awards.

The film will be showcased at various International Festivals including the Cancun Film Festival, Mexico and the Palms Spring Festival, California, a release stated here.

UNI