Film about poor Indian boy winning fortune rules British Indie Film Awards

London, Dec 1 : 'Slumdog Millionaire', a movie narrating the journey of a poor Indian boy who wins a game show fortune, has bagged three gongs, including best film, at the British Independent Film Awards.

The flick, which has not been released in the UK yet, also won Danny Boyle the prize for best director, reports BBC

Dev Patel, 18-year-old actor who made his debut in the film, also won the award for the best newcomer at the London ceremony. Slumdog has already won the influential People's Choice Award at the Toronto Film Festival.

Political drama Hunger also took three prizes, with Michael Fassbender named best actor for playing Bobby Sands.

Harry Potter star David Thewlis, 45, was honoured with an outstanding contribution award.

The best actress award went to Vera Farmiga for her role in concentration camp drama 'The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas'

Michael Sheen, who plays David Frost in the film adaptation of Frost/Nixon, was honoured with the Variety Award for bringing global recognition to the British film industry.

Best foreign film went to political animation 'Waltz With Bashir'.

The jury comprised of 'Atonement' director Joe Wright, photographer Rankin and the actress Anne Marie Duff.

Co-directors of the awards, Johanna von Fischer and Tessa Collinson, said it had been a "stellar year" for independent film in Britain.

Main Winners at the British Independent Film Awards are: Best British Independent Film- Slumdog Millionaire

Best Director-Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire)

Best Actor- Michael Fassbender (Hunger - pictured)

Best Actress- Vera Farmiga (The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas)

Best Supporting Actor- Eddie Marsan (Happy-Go-Lucky)

Best Supporting Actress- Alexis Zegerman (Happy-Go-Lucky)

Most Promising Newcomer- Dev Patel (Slumdog Millionaire)

Best Debut Director- Steve McQueen (Hunger)

Best Screenplay- Martin McDonagh (In Bruges)

ANI