Sean McAllister’s A Syrian Love Story has awarded the Grand Jury prize at Sheffield Doc/Fest (June 5-10).

Acclaimed British documentary filmmaker McAllister, whose credits include The Liberace in Baghdad and The Reluctant Revolutionary. McAllister took four years to complete the shoot of this project.

It follows the plight of a Syrian family as they are forced to leave the war torn country, the political unrest affects it and the family’s relationships face hurdles . During the filming process, the film maker McAllister himself spent time in a Syrian jail when the authorities seized his camera.

On behalf of the jury, Ruby Chen of CNEX China said: “The jury were enamoured by this Bergmanesque portrait of a relationship and love, taking place against an ever-changing and tumultuous backdrop.

“Delivering unusual gender portraits it explores vulnerabilities, looking at the concept of belonging, providing a unique and intimate portrait of disillusionment.”

The award was announced yesterday and presented by comedian Jeremy Hardy at Crucible Theatre.