Sekar Ayu takes directing honor

Sekar Ayu takes directing honor

EGYPT: Indonesian Sekar Ayu Asmara, director of Biola Tak Berdawai (A Stringless Violin), won the Naguib Mahfuz prize for Best Debut Film Director at the 27th Cairo International Film Festival with 45 participating countries.

Sekar, who also wrote the script, received a trophy and a charter with Mahfuz's name as a tribute to the Egyptian literary man who won a Nobel prize for literature. The novel was later put to film.

"I am proud to be selected as the best director in the Cairo film festival," Sekar told Antara here on Friday after receiving the prize at the National Opera Building Friday night.

Biola Tak Berdawai stars Ria Irawan, Nicholas Saputra and Jajang C. Noer. The film explored complex issues, ranging from handicapped children to rape and abortion.

-- Antara