Mumbai: Film-maker Nandita Das' debut movie Firaaq has won its eighth international award at the 28th Istanbul Film Festival recently.

 Based on the aftermath of the tragic Gujarat riots of 2002, Firaaq was awarded the Special Jury Prize for films dealing with Human Rights.

Das said, "Showing the film in different parts of the world and connecting with audiences reaffirms my faith in the fact that human stories transcend boundaries. This is my first visit to Istanbul, a very special place, and the overwhelming response that Firaaq has got here will always remain memorable to me."