Jamshedpur: Phulmani, a film highlighting the daily struggle of a tribal woman after the death of her alcoholic husband, went on to win the best film title during the ninth edition of Jharkhand Cine Award at Gopal Maidan in Bistupur on Saturday.

Organised by the All India Santhali Film Association (AISFA), Jharkhand Cine Award aims at recognising talent in the regional film industry.

Artistes and technicians were recognised under 22 categories including best film, best actor, best writer, best script, best singer, best sound and best cinematographer.

While Phulmani took home a cash prize of Rs 50,000, its director Dashrath Hansda and lead actress Birbaha Hansda bagged the best director and best actor (female) awards, respectively, each receiving a cash prize of Rs 5,000 along with a trophy.

Lakhan Prasad won the best actor (male) award for Santhali film Buru Kochan Kumi (daughter of the jungle).

The best regional film award went to the Ho film Mobile Yug Beta Jena (It's the era of mobile phones), which took home a cash prize of Rs 20,000.

A cultural programme showcasing tribal dance and music was also held on the occasion.

"The award ceremony acts as a platform to motivate actors and technicians of the regional film industry, who are struggling to make a mark," said Ramesh Hansda, president of AISFA.

AISFA had organised a special screening of all 18 regional films in Santhali, Ho and Chhota Nagpuri language at Tribal Culture Centre in Sonari between March 26 and 30. A film festival showcasing all the 18 films was held in Bistupur, Agrico and Sitaramdera from April 5 to 12.

"Jharkhand Cine Award was born to give the due recognition to all talented local artistes. We have been promoting our culture through this award ceremony and have been successful in making a mark," said Dasrath Hansda, a prominent actor-director of Santhali cinema.