The List is pleased to report that acclaimed Scottish actor and director Alison Peebles has won a much coveted award at the 2007 Chicago International Film Festival. Peebles’ piece Multiple was singled out for the accolade in a competition insiders believe to be one of the most important and prestigious events in the film calendar.

Short documentary, Multiple, commissioned by BBC Scotland and directed by media co-op Lucinda Broadbent, documents Peebles coming out about her Multiple Sclerosis. Peebles was diagnosed with the disease six years ago and chose to keep her diagnosis a secret, even from her own mother. The BBC’s film powerfully captures the actress as she comes to terms with talking about her condition publicly for the first time.

Peebles, who performed in TV series’ such as Taggart and Psychos as well as the movie Braveheart, is perhaps best known for directing the feature film AfterLife and stage play Shining Souls. More recently, her directorial film roles have also been well-received, including Nan and Tangerine, made under the auspices of Scottish Screen’s Newfoundland and Tartan Shorts initiative. A flurry of theatre work – including high profile collaborations with the National Theatre of Scotland – have made her a popular face both on and off stage.

The news of Peebles’ win comes as the actor-turned-director takes the helm of Dundee Rep’s production of Playhouse Creatures by April De Angelis, which will run from Saturday 27 October–Saturday 10 November.