MUMBAI: Actor Nandita Das’ directorial debut Firaaq has won the Best Feature Film award at Pakistan’s Kara Film Festival.

The movie has been produced by Percept Picture Company and is yet to see a release in India.

The Kara Film Festival was held from 4 – 15 February. Films from approximately 44 countries participated in Pakistan’s international film festival.

Indian filmmakers Mahesh Bhatt and Nandita Das attended the closing ceremony along with Pakistani filmmakers such as Mazhar Moin and Faseeh Bari Khan, whose film Burnes Road Ki Nilofer picked up two awards.

Das said that she had been slightly apprehensive about bringing the film to Pakistan only because it might have been perceived as "pandering to the converted". However, she said the response she had received had actually been so nuanced and engaged that her faith in the Kara Film Festival, which she first attended in 2001 with her film Bawandar, had been reaffirmed.

"The journey of making Firaaq gave me the opportunity to express my concerns and beliefs. It has also been a kind of cathartic experience. It has pushed my boundaries and has helped me grow both personally and professionally. In my travels and interactions with people, I have sensed a collective desire to understand the complicated and violent world we inhabit, and, with it, a palpable desire for peace. I hope Firaaq reflects this spirit and touches the hearts and minds of those who watch it," said Das.

Percept Picture Company joint managing director Shailendra Singh says, "We are feeling very graceful and honored as our film-Firaaq is stepping milestone day by day and got the honor of the Closing Gala Film of the Festival. I have never expected such a warm response from there, but I am amazed with the love and affection that we got there."