War Witch sweeps Canadian Screen Awards

Director Kim Nguyen was the toast of the inaugural Canadian Screen Awards on Sunday as his film War Witch picked up 10 top trophies, including best picture.

The Congo-set child soldier drama, also known by its French title Rebelle, landed honours for Nguyen's direction and original screenplay, while its teen star Rachel Mwanza won the best lead actress prize and co-star Serge Kanyinda scooped best supporting actor.

War Witch also triumphed in a number of technical categories, including cinematography, editing and art direction.

Accepting her trophy, Mwanza delivered her speech in French, thanking "all the Congolese... I share this with all of the children of the street".

Elsewhere at the Toronto ceremony, James Cromwell was crowned best actor for his turn in Canadian drama Still Mine, while Bollywood star Seema Biswas won best supporting actress for Midnight's Children.

TV prizes went to Less Than Kind for best comedy, Flashpoint won best drama, and the best international drama was The Borgias.

The first annual Canadian Screen Awards were hosted by funnyman Martin Short.