A controversial documentary about the lives of six schoolgirls, To My Nineteen-Year-Old Self, has been awarded best picture at the Hong Kong Film Awards, even though the school that commissioned the film said it would be withdrawn from the contest.

The documentary was pulled from cinemas at the beginning of this year after one of the six girls featured in it complained she was promised it was only for internal use and would not be screened publicly.

In a statement released after the awards ceremony on Sunday, Ying Wa Girls’ School – which commissioned the film – thanked the contest organisers and reiterated that the children involved all gave their consent to being filmed.

The school also said the girls had had the freedom to pull out anytime they wished.

Mabel Cheung, a co-director of the film, was absent from the awards ceremony. Fellow co-director William Kwok read a statement from Cheung, thanking those who supported her and the film despite all the obstacles.

Kwok also told documentary filmmakers: “Don’t be afraid, don’t worry, and don’t stop rolling. Record, edit, and release the film, then worry about what happens later.”

Meanwhile, Sammi Cheng was crowned best actress – her first time after 10 nominations. She won the award for her role in Lost Love as a woman who provided foster care for children after her own son died from heart disease.

Sean Lau won best actor portraying a police officer in Detective VS Sleuths. It is the third best actor award under his belt.

Veteran actor Bowie Woo, 91, won a standing ovation when he was given a lifetime achievement award for a career spanning seven decades.

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Kevin Yeung, congratulated all the winners.

In a social media post, he thanked filmmakers for their contributions in “using movies to tell a good Hong Kong story”.

He said the government will continue to work with the Hong Kong Film Development Council to support local filmmaking.