OSCAR – To date, Filipino filmmakers are still dreaming of winning an Oscar award, best foreign-language film in particular.
Year in and year out, the Film Academy of the Philippines sends local movies for Oscar consideration. But to date, the country has yet to merit even a nomination. The Oscar is ruled mostly by European pictures.
Well, Fil-American filmmakers have won Oscars in mostly technical categories.
But one of these days, sooner or later, a Filipino film might just make it – get a nomination (top five) or even win the Oscar itself. No harm in dreaming…and trying. So, carry on.
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TOP THREE – Look, only a decade or so ago, winning honors in the top three international film festivals was a pie in the sky.
The top three are of course: Cannes (France), Berlin (Germany), and Venice (Italy).
Now, Brillante Mendoza won Cannes best director (“Kinatay”) and Jaclyn Jose best actress (“Ma’ Rosa”).
Lav Diaz is Silver Bear awardee (“Hele”) in Berlin and Golden Lion (top prize) honoree for “Ang Babaeng Humayo” in Venice.
Well, decades back, Kidlat Tahimik (Eric de Guia) and Raymond Red won the top prizes for short films in Berlin and Cannes, respectively. Kidlat Tahimik for “Mababangong Bangungot” (Perfumed Nightmare) and Raymond Red for “Anino” (Shadow), topbilled by Eddie Garcia.
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STILL AT IT – It’s only early March and Filipino films continue to compete in international filmfests.
“Die Beautiful,” starring Paolo Ballesteros, is in Amsterdam, vying at the Pink Film Days Festival. Late last year, Paolo won the best actor award in Tokyo.
Ai-Ai de las Alas’ “Area” competes at the Queens World Film Festival in New York.
There are more local films competing this year abroad.