Aussie movie 'Red Dog' wins top prize at Heartland Film Festival

Red Dog has won the Heartland Film Festival award for 'Best Film'.

The movie's producer Nelson Woss was presented with the $100,000 (£63,000) prize at the official ceremony in Indiana.

The film, which stars Rachael Taylor, Josh Lucas and Woss's own dog Koko, tells the true story of a lost kelpie who wanders the Australian Outback looking for its master, affecting the lives of many people on its way.

Jeff Sparks, who is president and CEO of Heartland Truly Moving Pictures, told AAP that the grand prize each year goes to the film that most encourages positive change in people's lives through the power of cinema.

The award for 'Best Documentary' was won by Crime After Crime, while Thief was named 'Best Short Film'.

Woss recently revealed that the team behind Red Dog are "thrilled" with the public response to the movie, saying: "Australian audiences seem to be giving Red Dog a pat on the head. It's a good result and we want as many people to see the film as possible."

In August, the movie broke records for the biggest opening weekend for an Aussie film this year and has since remained in the top ten box office sales lists.

Watch the official trailer for Red Dog below: