Belleville scoops BBC film prize

Belleville Rendez-Vous has been a critical hit worldwide

French animated feature film Belleville Rendezvous has won the first BBC Four World Cinema Award.

The contest, which was launched in November 2003, invited viewers and experts to nominate their favourite international film of the year.

Other nominated films included City Of God, Good-Bye Lenin!, Etre Et Avoir, The Man Without A Past and another animated film, Spirited Away.

Brazilian drama City Of God won the audience award, picked by viewers.

Belleville Rendez-Vous, released internationally as The Triplets of Belleville, follows Madame Souza's search for her cyclist grandson who is kidnapped while taking part in the Tour De France.

With the help of her pet dog, she travels to Belleville, where the Triplets of Belleville, a singing trio from years gone by, help her track down her son.

Director Sylvain Chomet said: "I'm delighted and honoured, especially when I consider the mind-boggling array of talent Belleville was up against in the pool of contenders.

"It's particularly touching to be recognised by an establishment for which I have a great deal of respect and admiration."

The BBC helped fund the film, along with French and Canadian broadcasters.

Icelandic singer Bjork was on the jury, along with actor Robert Carlyle and directors Mike Figgis and Alex Cox.