Before the Spring, directed by Ahmed Atef, won the platinium International Humanitarian Award for 2016, becoming the only Egyptian and Arab world film to be awarded such recognition.

Atef was one of seven international filmmakers to receive the top platinium award.

Other winners received gold and silver awards as well as Man of the Year and Woman of the Year recognition.

Among the winners of previous individual awards are international stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Susan Sarandon, Martin Sheen, James Cromwell, David Anders, Julian Sands, Pearl Jam, and U2, among other artists.

Focusing on filmmakers working on humanitarian topics, the World Humanitarian Awards is part of a large festival group, the International Film Festivals, operating internationally, with headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Acording to the organisers' website, they "work closely with the Council of Creative People (Dewan Kreatif Rakyat) and International I-Hebat Volunteers, striv[ing] to give recognition to people who work and dedicate [their] life for the betterment of humanity. He/she could be anyone from any kind of profession, from all ages, and from any parts of the world. We value hard work laboured for peace and humanity, reaching hungry souls crying for help."

Ahmed Atef's film Before the Spring is based on true stories and centres on a young blogger who lost both his eyes during Egypt's 2011 revolution, recounting the events through flashbacks. The film stars Ahmed Tawfik, Hanan Metawe and Hana Shiha.

For more arts and culture news and updates, follow Ahram Online Arts and Culture on Twitter at @AhramOnlineArts and on Facebook at Ahram Online: Arts & Culture