Swedish Director Roy Andersson Scoops Best Film Award at Venice Festival

Swedish director Roy Andersson poses on the red carpet after receiving the Golden Lion Award for his movie `A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence` at the 71st annual Venice International Film Festival, September 6. Photo by EPA/ETTORE FERRARI.

Swedish director Roy Andersson's comedy A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence won the Golden Lion award for best film at the Venice Film Festival.

The film, which is the third in its trilogy, was hailed by critics for its intricate shots and quiet reflections on what it means to be a human being. The director accepted the award, saying movies should be "humanistic" and that he will keep trying to make great movies.

Andersson told the audience he had been inspired by Italian director Vittorio De Sica's 1948 film Bicycle Thieves, the BBC reports.

The Silver Lion for best director went to Andrei Konchalovsky for The Postman's White Nights, a documentary-style narrative set in a small Russian lake town, which was widely praised for its beautiful cinematography and strong storytelling.

The Grand Jury Prize was awarded to The Look of Silence by Joshua Oppenheimer.

US actor Adam Driver won best actor for his portrayal of a father trying to save his baby son's life in Saverio Costanzo's New-York based tale Hungry Hearts.

Italian actress Alba Rohrwacher won best actress for her performance in the same film.

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