The talk of the festival at Sundance Film Festival in January was Precious (based on the novel Push by Sapphire). It is about Clareece ‘Precious' Jones – an obese and impoverished African American teenager, systematically abused emotionally and physically by her mother and repeatedly raped by her mother's boyfriend.

Pregnant by him for a second time, she is expelled from school and recommended to attend Each One Teach One, an alternative education centre, where she meets an inspiring teacher who prods her into seeing that there could be hope for a better life.
Director Lee Daniels tackles the story with often disturbing directness, particularly in the scenes of Precious's hellish home life, but provides the moments of humour and fantasy without which this would be unbearably horrific to watch. He also draws some remarkable performances from his cast, particularly from newcomer Gabourey Sidibe, who brings dignity to the stoic Precious and from Mo'nique, who gives an award-worthy portrayal of her resolutely cruel mother. Mo'nique won Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture at the Golden Globes. The film is also nominated for five Academy Awards.

Precious is screening at Rialto Tauranga and The Weekend Sun has two double passes to give away to lucky readers who can name the award Mo'nique won at the Golden Globes. Send your answer, along with your name, contact address and phone number via email to: contest@thesun.co.nz with the subject line 'Precious Competition”; post them to Precious Competition, The Weekend Sun, PO Box 240, Tauranga; or drop them in to The Weekend Sun at 1 The Strand, Tauranga.