Actor Jay Barachel poses for a photo during an interview whilst promoting his new film 'The Trotsky' at the Toronto Film Festival in Toronto on Friday, September 11, 2009. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

TOKYO - A Montreal film about an eccentric teen who believes he's the reincarnation of Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky has won the audience prize at a Japanese festival.

"The Trotsky," starring "Knocked Up"'s Jay Baruchel, garnered the most votes from viewers at the Tokyo International Film Festival.

Writer-director Jacob Tierney and producer Kevin Tierney were on hand to receive a cash prize of US$10,000, along with a trophy and certificate on Saturday.

The festival's website quotes Jacob Tierney as saying he was "very moved and very humbled" by the honour.

Set in Montreal, "The Trotsky" follows the sometimes-inflammatory measures taken by a 17-year-old boy as he tries to replicate the political and romantic milestones of his Bolshevik hero.

It's expected to be released next year.