A Vietnamese film depicting the lives of inhabitants in a poor coastal village has won the top prize at the 2017 ASEAN International Film Festival And Awards (AIFFA).

It also bagged two other major awards for best leading actor and best director of photography (DOP) at the award ceremony in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia on Saturday evening.

Dao Cua Dan Ngu Cu (The Way Station), directed by actress-director Hong Anh, revolves around a small Vietnamese fishing village and the relationships between its inhabitants, each with their own inner struggles.

The film’s screenplay was adapted by novelist from a short story by local author Do Phuoc Tien.

The film bested four other nominees from the Philippines and Indonesia to win Best Film at Saturday’s event, the night’s most prestigious award.

It also won Best Leading Actor for Pham Hong Phuong and Best DOP for Ly Thai Dung.

Director Hong Anh (L), leading actress Nguyen Ngoc Thanh Tam (C) and leading actor Pham Hong Phuoc of Dao Cua Dan Ngu Cu (The Way Station) at the award ceremony of AIFFA 2017, May 6, 2017.

The film was previously nominated for a record-setting total of eight award categories, including Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Leading Actress, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Film Editing.

“This award is an assertion of The Way Station’s positive impression on foreign viewers in its international debut,” said director Hong Anh.

“I hope that it is received with the same love and positivity by local critics and movie lovers.”

AIFFA 2017 saw the pitching of 109 films from ten member states of the ASEAN, of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

The Awards is a platform to promote ASEAN films to the international market, facilitate collaborations and networking within the ASEAN film industry and provide business opportunities for film distributors and exihibitors.

Films honored by AIFFA help promote the local culture, tradition and heritage towards a united ASEAN, according to ts official site.

Actor Pham Hong Phuoc (R) delivers his acceptance speech for Best Leading Actor at the award ceremony of AIFFA 2017, May 6, 2017.

The cast and crew of Dao Cua Dan Ngu Cu (The Way Station) at the award ceremony of AIFFA 2017, May 6, 2017.

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