CANNES, May 25: Two shoe-string budget films on war-ravaged Afghanistan, one by an Iranian, one by an Afghan, reaped a slew of plaudits on the sidelines of the Cannes film festival, ending Sunday.

Shot in Afghanistan last year, “Osama” by Sedigh Barmak is the first Afghan film ever screened. It was shown in the fringe Director’s Fortnight section to a standing ovation and this weekend was named best film by France’s AFCAE.

That should ensure a financial return for Barmak, the 41-year-old head of the Afghan Film Organisation who had to work hard to rustle up the funding.

In a country that has produced a mere 35 to 40 features in a century, neighbour Iran put in 25,000 dollars while Iranian film director Mohsen Makhmalbaf weighed in with 21,000 dollars, a crew and technical assistance.—AFP