“Ma’ Rosa,” a drama about a mother who is forced to sell drugs, has been chosen by the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) as the country’s official entry to the best foreign language film category of the prestigious Oscar Awards in 2017.
The movie, directed by award-winning director Brillante Mendoza, competed for the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in May.
It stars Jaclyn Jose who won Best Actress in the same film festival. She bested Oscar winners Charlize Theron and Marion Cotillard in the acting category.
So far, the Philippines has not won any nomination in the Oscars best foreign language film category.
Other films reviewed by the FAP committee were “Felix Manalo” by Joel Lamangan; “Honor Thy Father” by Erik Matti; “Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis” by Lav Diaz; “Dukot” by Paul Soriano; “Pamilya Ordinaryo” by Eduardo Roy Jr.; “Ang Hapis at Himagsik ni Hermano Puli” by Gil Portes; “Tuos” by Roderick Cabrido; and “Ang Babaeng Humayo” by Lav Diaz.
The Oscar committee of FAP was headed by Director-Editor Edgardo Vinarao, with the following as members: Jose N. Carreon, director-scriptwriter; Mike Sandejas, director; Lee Briones-Meily, cinematographer; Cheri Gil, actress; Michael de Mesa, actor; and Eddie Rocha, director-scriptwriter.
Some of the Filipino sent to the Oscars were “Ploning” (2008); “Ded na si Lolo,” (2009); “Noy” (2010); “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank,” (2011); “Bwakaw” (2012); “Transit” (2013); “Norte, Hangganan ng Kasaysayan” (2014).
The official nominees for all the categories at the Oscars will be announced on January 24, 2017.
The winner in the best foreign language film category and others will be announced during the worldwide broadcast of the 89th Academy Awards on February 26, 2017.
