Danish film Woman Unknown wins top prize at Venice Film Festival

A Danish movie has won the highest award at the Venice Film Festival. Director May el-Toukhy made the wartime drama Woman Unknown. It tells the story of a woman hiding a relationship with a Nazi.

The film made history as the only feature by a solo female director in competition. Main actress Mathilde Arcel also won the best actress award. The 30-year-old Danish actor played her first movie role in this drama.

Jury head Maggie Gyllenhaal praised the film as a brilliantly made work. The festival wrapped up ten days of programming reflecting current world conflicts.

Second prize went to South Korean director Lee Chang-dong for Possible Love. Russian-born director Ilya Khrzhanovsky won best director for his project DAU. American actor John Malkovich won best actor for Wild Horse Nine.

The Israeli documentary NAZA won a special jury prize. It examines military targeting systems used in Gaza.

For residents in Denmark, this international victory highlights the nation's strong cultural presence.