Marking the feature debut for Kerekes, a leading director of documentary cinema, 107 Mothers is based on the true stories of 107 mothers in Odessa prison in Ukraine.

Currently competing at the International Competition of the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF), 107 Mothers previously won Best Screenplay at the Orizzonti competition of the Venice International Film Festival, where it landed its world premiere, and Best Director at Chicago International Film Festival.

Ola Al-Sheikh, manager of the Arab Critics’ Awards for European Films, said in a video announcing the winner, “This year’s jury saw 24 European films that left us [with a difficult choice] because of their good quality and the closeness in the number of the votes. In the end, the award went to the remarkable film 107 Mothers.”

This award is a spin-off of the ACC's renowned Critics' Awards, which aim to increase the variety of cinema in the region and to pique the interest of distributors and industry participants in exceptional European films.

Additionally, this project intends to shine a light on illustrious cinema reviewers from a variety of Arab countries and their critical role in broadening viewpoints and bridging cultures. This year’s jury of the Arab Critics’ Awards for European Films brings together 71 film critics from 15 Arab nations.

The 43rd CIFF continues until 5 December.