US film director Paxton Winters receives award to the best film for "Pacificado." AFP

The Brazilian film "Pacificado" (Pacified), directed by American Paxton Winters, has won the top prize at Spain's San Sebastian film festival.

The jury awarded the "Golden Shell" at Saturday's gala to the Portuguese-language film, which was produced by filmmaker Darren Aronofsky.

Debora Nascimento receives the award on behalf actor Bukassa Kabengele for his role in the film. AFP

"Pacificado" depicts the life of a teenage girl growing up on the rough streets of Rio de Janeiro's favelas and her friendship with a former drug dealer.

Bukassa Kabengele also won best actor for "Pacificado."

The best director award went jointly to Spaniards Aitor Arregi, José Goenaga and Jon Garaño for "La Trinchera Infinita" (The Infinite Trench). It tells the story of a man who at the start of the 1936-39 Spanish Civil War went into hiding for over three decades.

Associated Press