An actress based in Bermuda is celebrating after her latest film, directed by her sister, won the award for Best International Feature at a Canadian film festival.

Grey Matter, featuring Brooke Burfitt and directed by Arabella Burfitt-Dons, recently premiered at the Female Eye Film Festival in Toronto.

A directorial debut by Ms Burfitt-Dons, this heartfelt drama filmed in a seaside town in Suffolk, England, explores the impact of Alzheimer's disease on a family and the challenges they face as they navigate through the changes.

Ms Burfitt plays Dr Spencer, a medical professional who diagnoses the character of Peg with an aggressive form of Alzheimer's, offering guidance and support to the family.

She said that it was a privilege to be a part of her sister’s directorial debut.

“As a sister I was intensely proud watching her work, but as an actress I had so much respect for her vision for the project,” Ms Burfitt said. “I wanted to do the very best job for her, and everyone watching who has been personally impacted by Alzheimer's.

“Arabella tackled the subject with sensitivity and skilfully balanced the complexities of the disease with moments of humour and comedic relief.

“My sister created a thought-provoking unforgettable film and deserves all the recognition and praise from these film festivals, with many more to come.”

In the wake of the film’s award success, Ms Burfitt said she was thrilled her sister was flying out of Canada “with a trophy that’s too big for her carry on”.

“I’m confident the film will be picking up many more awards as it continues the festival circuit,” she said. “I truly feel very fortunate and proud to be a part of such a beautiful film.”

Ms Burfitt has previously starred in Maternal Secrets, which was filmed in Bermuda and featured a range of local talent, along with Lifetime films Labour, Lies and Murder and Christmas at the Castle.

She has also performed in several local theatre productions for the Bermuda Musical and Dramatic Society including Taming of the Shrew, Trials and Tribulations of a Trailer Trash Wife and Yes, Prime Minister.