Israeli film ‘Next to Her' takes top prize in Kazakhstan

The award was presented to director Asaf Korman by Kazakh actor Assanali Ashimov, who was also president of the international jury. "Next to Her" centres around the relationship between two sisters, euronews reports. After her mentally disabled sibling Gabby goes into a day care centre, Rachel enters into a relationship with a man, but her complicated life leaves her unable to lead a normal relationship with anyone but her sister, leading the protagonists into a twisted threesome. The film was written by the director's wife Liron, based on personal experience. "When she told me about the story it was very clear it would be my first feature film and we made this film with a lot of love, as a couple", said director Asaf Korman. The festival also paid tribute to Costas Gavras. The 81-year-old Greek film director was honoured with a lifetime achievement award during the closing ceremony. Four awards went to movies made in Kazakhstan, an important achievement for national film making .