“Angel at Sea” takes Crystal Globe.

The Belgian-Canadian picture “Angel at Sea” took the prestigious Crystal Globe for Best Film at the end of the 44th Karlovy Vary Film Festival in the Czech Republic.

The film tells the tale of a boy’s relationship with his beloved, but manic depressive father.

Olivier Gourmet who plays the lead role shared the Best Actor gong with American Paul Giamatti for his role in “Cold Souls”.

The Special Jury Prize went to Iranian Abdolreza Kahani for his film “Twenty”.

Kahani said his award was “for the Iranian people” and he asked everyone to stand and applaud. His first two films were censored by the authorites in Tehran.

Germany’s Andres Dresner took Best Director for his picture “Whisky with Vodka” – a film within a film that pits an aging actor against his understudy. He said he was “surprised.”

Best Actress went to Paprika Steen from Denmark for her role in “Applause”. Steen portarys the turbulent journey of an alcoholic who is trying to win back the custody of her children.

And there was a special mention for the harrowing Polish film “Piggies”. Most notably, for the 15 year old protagonist, Filip Gabacz, who plays a young boy forced into prostitution.

More than 200 films were screened at the festival and over 100,000 people attended.

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tags: Czech Republic, Festival, Movies