‘Septic’ gets 2 nods in Asian Oscars

“ANG BABAE SA SEPTIC TANK.” There are lessons to be retroactively learned.

Marlon Rivera’s “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank” clinched two nominations at the 6th Asian Film Awards (AFA)—best actress for lead performer Eugene Domingo and best screenplay for writer Chris Martinez.

The nominations were announced Tuesday in Hong Kong, according to producer Joji Alonso.

Alonso and Domingo are extremely pleased with the double nods from the AFA, regarded as the region’s Oscars. The AFA is handed out by the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society to “recognize excellence in Asian cinema.”

Domingo likened the honor to “eating in a really fine restaurant for the first time and being given a delectable dessert for free at the end. What a fantastic bonus!”

“Any kind of recognition, whether from here or abroad, is always something to look forward to,” Alonso told the Inquirer.

Alonso was confident that Domingo’s portrayal would be declared among the top five performances by women in Asia—that it would cross over despite cultural and language differences.

“The movie emancipated Uge (Domingo’s nickname),” Alonso remarked. “It showed the levels she could reach [as an actress]. It showcased her talent and versatility.”

For Domingo, it’s an affirmation “that Filipinos can excel and can definitely be among the top choices in Asian cinema.”

Alonso said she’d make sure that Domingo would wear a stunning gown at the red-carpet event to be held in Hong Kong in March.

“Definitely, it’ll be a lovely gown,” Domingo quipped. “It’s a great opportunity to represent the country. It gives me inspiration and energy; and it strengthens my Pinoy pride.”

Alonso wasn’t the least bit surprised that Martinez got a nod, too. “It’s his best script to date. It’s rare to find a writer who is smart and can balance different genres.” She said that “Septic” proved that “Filipino comedy can go beyond slapstick and toilet humor.”

“Septic,” which will be screened at the Berlin International Film Festival next month, is also the Philippine entry to the best foreign language film category at the 84th Academy Awards to be held Feb. 12 at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.

Another Filipino, Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino was nominated in the best supporting actress category for her work in “Nino.”Bayani San Diego Jr.