The Moroccan director topped the documentary film category in which she was nominated with "The Mother of All Lies", for which she skilfully used handmade clay statues to evoke stories and reflect the pluralism that characterizes her family in particular and the history of her country in general, says a release from the association detailing this year's awards.

"The Mother of All Lies" beat out, respectively, four films in the running, namely "Bye Bye Tiberias" by Lina Soualem, "Orlando, My Political Biography" by Paul B. Preciado, Kleber Mendonça Filho's "Pictures of Ghosts" and Wang Bing's "Youth".

Asmae El Moudir's documentary won prestigious international awards, including the Etoile d’Or at the 20th Marrakech International Film Festival and the "Un certain regard" prize at the Cannes Film Festival.

Founded in 2003, the International Cinephile Society brings together some 170 accredited journalists, film critics, anthropologists and industry experts who cover film festivals and events on five continents.

Chaired by Frenchman Cédric Succivalli, the International Cinephile Society celebrates the best films of the 7th art every year. It awards prizes in various categories, including Best Director, Best Lead Actress, Best Lead Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Original Screenplay, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Animated Film and Premier Film.