9 PH FILMS BEING CONSIDERED FOR OSCARS
Several Pinoy films have already been shortlisted from which one will be submitted to represent the country in the Best Foreign Language Film category of the 89th Academy Awards happening on Feb. 26, 2017.
These are: Gil Portes’ “Ang Hapis at Himagsik ni Hermano Puli,” Jun Lana’s “Anino sa Likod ng Buwan,” Erik Matti’s “Honor Thy Father,” Paul Soriano’s “Dukot,” Eduardo Roy, Jr.’s “Pamilya Ordinaryo,” Joel Lamangan’s “Felix Manalo,” Lav Diaz’s “Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis,” Brillante Mendoza’s “Ma’ Rosa” and Roderick Cabrido’s “Tuos.”
Among these, “Ma’ Rosa,” “Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis,” “Anino sa Likod ng Buwan” and “Honor Thy Father” have already won awards in international film festivals.
“Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis” nabbed the Silver Bear Alfred Bauer Prize at the Berlin International Film Festival.
“Anino sa Likod ng Buwan” was named Best Asian Film by the Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema (Netpac). It also won the International Critics Prize from the International Federation of Film Critics at the 13th Pacific Meridian Film Festival.
“Honor Thy Father” was named Best Asian Film at Neuchatel Fantastic Film Festival.
“Ma’ Rosa” earned for Jaclyn Jose the Best Actress plum at the Cannes International Film Festival.
Meanwhile, “Felix Manalo” was named Movie Of The Year at the 32nd Star Awards for Movies, while “Tuos” and “Pamilya Ordinaryo” were among big winners at the recent Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.
“Ang Hapis at Himagsik ni Hermano Puli” served as the closing film at this year’s Cinemalaya. It will run in cinemas nationwide on Sept. 21.
“Dukot” had its commercial run last July.
A committee composed of members of the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) was accredited by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) to select an entry to the festival, with film director Edgardo “Boy” Vinarao serving as head and cinematographer Lee Meily; actors Michael de Mesa and Cherie Gil; film directors Jose Carreon and Mike Sandejas; and actor/scriptwriter Ed Rocha, as members.
Initial deliberation is set on Sept. 14. (All photos from YouTube)