BANNER YEAR – 2016 is a banner year for Philippine cinema, indies in particular. Independently produced films gave honors to the country on the international scene.
Consider the awards won by indies in the top three international film festivals: Cannes, Berlin, and Venice.
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BEST ACTESS – Jaclyn Jose is Cannes best actress for “Ma’ Rosa,” directed by Brillante Mendoza. A few years back, Mendoza was Cannes best director for “Kinatay.”
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SILVER YEAR – Lav Diaz is Silver Bear Alfred Bauer Prize winner in Berlin for “Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis” – next to the top honor Golden Bear. It starred the country’s two top actors, Piolo Pascual and John Lloyd Cruz.
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GOLDEN LION – Direk Lav won the top prize, Golden Lion (best picture) for “Ang Babaeng Humayo” in Venice. It stars Charo Santos.
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OTHER FILMFESTS – Mendoza and Lav won many international awards in other filmfests – Asia, Europe, North and South America, Middle East, Africa, Australia.
More than 10 years ago, they won the Golden Leopard in Locarno, Switzerland. Brillante for “Masahista” with Coco Martin in the title role and Mendoza for “Norte,” starring mostly new actors.
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MAJOR OR MINOR – But let it be said that major or minor, big or small filmfests, Filipino cinema artists who joined and won in those events brought honors to the country and they all deserve our congratulations and appreciation.
In future Highspeed, they will be recognized and given due recognition.
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PIONEERS – Let’s give credits to pioneer filmmakers who opened the doors to international filmfests for the likes of Brillante Mendoza and Lav Diaz.
Bert Avellana, Gerry de Leon, Manuel Conde, Gregorio Fernandez, Eddie Romero, Cirio H. Santiago, Lino Brocka, Ishmael Bernal, Mike de Leon, Celso Ad. Castillo, Gil Portes, Carlitos Siguion Reyna, Peque Gallaga, Joel Lamangan, Marilou Diaz Abaya, Mario O’Hara, Tikoy Aguiluz, Mel Chionglo, and Maryo J. de los Reyes.
