Critically acclaimed cinematographer Mark Lee Ping-Bing bagged the Silver Bear for Outstanding Artistic Contribution for Cinematography for the drama film Crosscurrent at the 66^th Berlin International Film Festival in Berlin on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Italian documentary film Fire at Sea by Gianfranco Rosi, which focuses on the heartbreaking refugee crisis in Europe, grabbed the Golden Bear top prize.

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It was a fitting end after all as the festival went beyond its usual ceremony and allocated donation boxes to support charities and organizations. Free tickets and festival internships were also reserved for the refugees.

As Europe continues to deal with the largest number of migrants since World War II, the film gives us a view of the implacable life on the Mediterranean island of Lampedusa, where thousands of Middle East and African refugees have arrived attempting to reach the European Union over the past 20 years. Many more have perished on the life-threatening trip with shaky, overloaded boats.

Meanwhile, Danis Tanovic's Death in Saravejo took home the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize. While best director award went to Things to Come's director Mia Hansen-Love.

Majd Mastoura was awarded best actor for his role in Tunisian film Inhebbek Hedi, while Trine Dyrholm from the Danish movie The Commune was named the best actress.

Polish director and screenwriter Tomasz Wasilewski of United States of Love took home the best script award, while the new perspective award was bagged by the eight-hour Lav Diaz-directed film A Lullaby to the Sorrowful Mystery.

The 11-day festival ends Sunday with the screening of its most renowned featured films.

TagsCrosscurrent, Fire at Sea, Berlin International Film Festival, film festival