Film festivities also are underway in Macao. An Argentinian film about survival and isolation walked away with the Best Film award at the International Film Festival and Awards of Macao on Tuesday evening. This is the first installment of this festival. 54 films will be screened from 20 countries and regions at the Cultural Center of Macao.

Set on a ranch in southern Patagonia, the story focuses on an old foreman replaced by a younger man. As a harsh winter arrives, the aging man attempts to scare his successor away.

The Winter's director Emiliano Torres hopes the accolade will open the film to a broader Asian audience.

"I hope the award can bring my film closer to Asia and allow the continent's audiences to see it," said Emiliano Torres.

English actress Lyndsey Marshal won Best Actress for her performance in "Trespass Against Us", and actor Nuno Lopes who starred in "Saint George" won Best Actor. Neither were present at the festival.

54 films will be screened from 20 countries and regions at the Cultural Center of Macao.

The Portuguese film "Saint George" also took Best Director.

"This award is very important to us, as this is a well-known competition. It is also the first international film festival of Macao and will certainly help promote our film in the future," said Marco Martins, director of "Saint George".

Residents of Macao voted for "Sisterhood" as the Macao Audience Choice Award.

"I really hope the next projects will continue to feature this city, Macao," said Tracy Choi, director of "Sisterhood".

Actors, actresses and filmmakers from across the world walked down the red carpet to conclude the city's Macao Film Festival and Awards ceremony.

Jury President Shekhar Kapur said Macao has potential to become an important Asian host for films and cultural festivals.

"I think because the new culture in terms of globalisation, the counter-culturalisation now is the Asian culture that's gonna come up and make itself heard. And it needs venues, from which it can express itself and I think Macao - I was amazed by the infrastructure that is here," said Shekhar Kapur, jury president.

The six day festival is co-organised by the Macao government and the Macao Films & Television Productions and Culture Association.