MANILA - Award-winning director Lav Diaz's film “Ang Babaeng Humayo” or “The Woman Who Left” bagged the Golden Lion award, the top prize at the 73rd Venice Film Festival.

The film, which bested 20 others, tells the story of a teacher who spent 30 years in prison for a crime she did not commit.

Diaz explained that his latest film is a search for what defines the Philippines after years of foreign rule and a dictatorship that followed.

In his acceptance speech, Diaz thanked everyone who worked hard on the movie, including its lead actress Charo Santos.

"This is unbelievable. I don’t really know what to say. I just want to thank all the people who really worked hard on this film. They are here right now. There's the great actress, Charo Santos," he said.

Diaz also dedicated the award to the Filipino people and the struggle for humanity.

"It looks beautiful. This is for my country, for the Filipino people, for our struggle and for the struggle of humanity. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, so much. Thank you," Diaz added.