Canadian director Matthew Rankins Persian and French-language dramaUniversal Languagehas won the inaugural Audience Award of Directors Fortnight.
This is the first official prize launched by Directors Fortnight which does not have a jury.
Rankin was previously in Cannes withThe Tesla World Light, which premiered in Critics Week in 2017.
Universal LanguageMetafilms
Brussels-based sales company Best Friend Forever has U.S. rights.
Under the prize, the film will receive the support of these cinemas as it goes on release.
The prizewas announced aheadof the Directors Fortnight closing ceremony on Thursday evening.
The prize was announced ahead of the Directors Fortnight closing ceremony on Thursday evening.
The film is produced by Julie Salvador at Christmas in July and sold internationally by Party Film Sales.
