Taiwan director Hou Hsaio-Hsien's film 'The Assasin' won the top jury prize for 'Best Foreign Language Film' at the Palm Springs International Movie Festival.

Over 170 films from sixty different countries are currently screening at the movie festival. 

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the jury announced the winner on Saturday in Palm Springs, California. The film was praised as "An example of the martial arts genre with a twist because the film elevated the martial arts style into the realm of art."

Like Us on Facebook

'The Assasin' is based on a story that dates back to as far as The Tang Dynasty in the 9th century. Actress Shu Qi starred as the main character of the film - a female assassin who begins to question loyalty to her group after she falls in love with one of her targets.

The film is Taiwan's submission for an Oscar consideration for the 'Best Foreign Language Film' category, but it failed to make the shortlist that was announced last December 17th. The Oscar shortlist includes French film 'Mustang' and Germany's 'Labyrinth of Lies'.

Meanwhile, Hsien, who is currently the leader of the Taiwanese New Wave cinema movement, also recently won the Cannes Jury Prize for his other film, 'The Hands of The Puppet Master."

It was not announced whether or not Hsien and Qi were in attendance to accept the award.

The Palm Springs International Movie Festival will close on January 11th with the premiere of Australian film 'Last Cab to Darwin'. 

TagsThe Assasin, Palm Springs International Movie Festival, Awards