U.S. actor John Travolta speaks after receiving the Crystal Globe for his contribution to world cinematography at the opening ceremony of the 48th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic, Friday, June 28, 2013. (Photo credit: AP photo by CTK, Vit Simanek)

The Associated Press

PRAGUE — Hungarian director Janos Szasz’s “Le grand cahier” has won the top prize at the 48th edition of an international film festival in the Czech spa town of Karlovy Vary.

The movie, a coproduction of Hungary, Germany, Austria and France, is based on a debut novel by Hungarian author Agota Kristof about 13-year-old twin brothers who have to spend the cruel years at the end of World War II with their grandmother.

It was chosen from 14 contenders for the Crystal Globe by the festival’s grand jury led by Polish director Agnieszka Holland.

Saturday’s award also comes with a $25,000 cash prize.