Indian drama Koozhangal (Pebbles), directed by filmmaker Vinothraj PS has won the top honour, Tiger Award at the International Film Festival of Rotterdam (IFFR).
The award is accompanied by a Euro 40,000 cash prize which will be shared between the director and producer of the winning film.
'Koozhangal' is the debut film of Vinothraj starring a score of newcomers and was produced by Nayanthara and Vignesh Sivan's 'Rowdy Pictures'.
The film was acclaimed for its poignant depiction of a drought-stricken village in rural Tamilnadu and the relationship between an alcoholic father, his son and his wife who has run away due to his abusive behaviour.
The jury described 'Koozhangal' as a lesson in pure cinema in the festival's website.
"Although the story deals with gruelling poverty in the searing drought-ridden landscapes of southern India, it succeeded nonetheless in captivating the jury with its beauty and humour," the jury added.
Vinothraj hailed the win as a "dream come true" on Twitter while Vignesh and Nayanthara congratulated him for his efforts.
"Koozhangal is the first Tamil film to win the Tiger competition award. Vinoth's hard work has got him such a huge honour in his very first film," said Vignesh in a video released on Instagram to celebrate the occasion.