‘Kill Me Please’ wins Rome Film Festival’s top prize

ROME - Director Olias Barco’s “Kill Me Please”, a Belgian black comedy dealing with euthanasia, Friday won the Rome Film Festival’s Marc’Aurelio prize for best film.

The Marc’Aurelio best actor award went to Italy’s Toni Servillo for his portrayal in “Una Vita Tranquilla” (A Quiet Life) of a Neapolitan mobster who tries to build a new life for himself in Germany.

In a surprise move, the Marc’Aurelio for best actress was collectively awarded to the entire female cast of the Mexican film “Las Buenas Hierbas” (The Good Herbs).

Directed by Maria Novaro, “The Good Herbs” revolves around the relationship between a woman who is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and her daughter, who sets about seeking a cure by researching various ancient herbal remedies.

Earlier this week, Hollywood star Julianne Moore picked up a career Marc’Aurelio acting award.

The Rome Film Festival this year marked its fifth edition with 16 films in the main competition.

Organisers said 118,000 tickets were sold during the 2010 event, which began Oct 28.