Sergei Loznitsa’s "Imperium" secured the best film award during the competition at the 70th BFI London Film Festival. The festival unveiled the prizes on 18 October.
Filmmaker Sam Pollard led the competition jury, which also included Mariano Llinás and Julie La Bassiere. Actor Amir El-Masry presided over the first feature competition jury.
Bertil Nilsson’s "Masc" received a special mention in that same first feature competition. Thailand’s Oscar submission "9 Temples to Heaven" won the Sutherland Award.
Asmahan Bkerat won the Grierson Award for documentary for her feature directorial debut "Concrete Land". Sandhya Suri headed the documentary jury.
Theo Rollason’s "Queer Edward II" earned a special mention. Rahul Roye’s "Aman" won the Short Film Award and is available to stream for free on BFI Player until 25 October.
Elizabeth Hobbs’ "Daughters of the Late Colonel" took a special mention. Audience voting for the best British discovery and best feature film prizes closes on 21 October.
The jury stated, "We were struck by the film’s painterly cinematography, and expansive and assured storytelling, which guided us through the world with care."
