Kurdish-Austrian director Kurdwin Ayub received the Special Jury Prize for her film Moon at the 77th Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland, which took place from August 7-17.

The film was produced by Ulrich Seidl Filmproduktion, with Austrian directors Ulrich Seidel and Veronika Franz serving as producer and associate producer.

The movie is about former martial artist Sarah, who leaves Austria to train three sisters from a wealthy Jordanian family. Once there, she finds out that the young women are cut off from the outside world and under constant surveillance.

“It’s all about sisters, no matter where they come from, and about cages, no matter where they are. Cages you want to leave and those you wish you could return to,” Ayub explained.

Moon also received the Europa Cinemas Label Award during the festival.

“We are delighted to announce that our #ECLabel at @filmfestlocarno goes to MOON (Mond) by @kurdwinayub!?” Europa Cinemas posted on Instagram.

“Moon brings a story and a perspective that we haven’t seen before, not only in subject and setting but also in style,” the jury said.

“Cinematography and pacing are unconventional and yet very much in sync with the evolving personality of the protagonist, incredibly performed by Florentina Holzinger. The film is set in an interesting context in which the director provokes her audience using stereotypical settings and characters.”

“Ayub then subverts and undercuts these stereotypes in unexpected ways, culminating in an ambiguous yet powerful ending. A highly energetic piece of filmmaking that can best be described as a punch in the face,” the jury concluded.