Nagesh Kukunoor's hard-hitting drama "Lakshmi", on human trafficking, was feted with the Audience Award for best narrative feature, based on viewers' votes at the Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF).

"Lakshmi", which had its US premiere at the gala, narrates the story of a 13-year-old girl kidnapped and sold into prostitution; her refusal to give up hope and her courageous stand against her oppressors. It was hailed at the 25th edition of the fest.

The festival, held from Jan 3-13, 2014, screened 191 films from 60 countries, including 46 of the 76 foreign language entries for this year's Oscars, read a statement of the event's official website.


The Audience Award winners were announced Sunday.

"Gore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia ", directed by Nicholas Wrathall, received the Audience Award for best documentary feature.