Portuguese film director João Viana,46, was awarded a “Special Mention” for “A batalha de Tabatô” at the 2013 Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), one of the most high profile international movie events. The 2013 Berlin International Film Festival was held February 7-17.

Set for the most part in Guine-Bissau, the film incorporates many documentary elements with references to the historical achievements and cultural traditions of the West African former Portuguese colony.

The Golden Bear, for Best Film, went to Romaina director Călin Peter Netzer’s Poziţia Copilului for “Child’s Pose” The French documentary director Claude Lanzmann was awarded with the Honorary Golden Bear. Italian actress Isabella Rossellini and German film director Rosa von Praunheim were awarded with the Berlinale Camera.

U.S. filmmaker David Gordon Green won best director for his comic road movie “Prince Avalanche,” while best actress went to Chile’s Paulina Garcia for her role as a Santiago divorcee in “Gloria.”

Three other Portuguese film directors were represented at the competition, namely Salomé Lamas with “Terra de Ninguém” Pedro Pinho with “Um Fim de Mundo,” and Filipa César with short film “Cuba.”  The movie adaption of bestselling novel, “Night Train to Lisbon,” by Pascal Mercier, shot in Lisbon, Switzerland and Germany, was presented at the festival but was not among the winners.

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