Sid Lucero in “Norte”. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
The Philippines’ entry to the Oscar and Golden Globe Awards’ best foreign film races, Lav Diaz’s “Norte, the End of History,” earned a best international film nomination in the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards. Honoring the best in indie cinema, the Spirit Awards cited “Norte…” and five other leading best foreign film contenders in the ongoing awards season.
“That’s great for Philippine cinema,” Diaz said about his film’s nomination.
“I am just amazed by Norte’s streak. Wow. Buhay na buhay siya. It keeps pushing things, kung saan-saan, very transcendental. This is cinema’s magic,” he added.
“Norte’s” producer, Moira Lang, aka Raymond Lee, told the Inquirer, “This is such a wonderful surprise. The first time the Philippines received this distinction was in 2006 for ‘Ang Pagdadalaga ni (The Blossoming of) Maximo Oliveros.’ I hope that this would shine the spotlight on the brave and superb independent filmmakers in our country, grow our audience and help make our practice sustainable.”
“Mabuhay ang bagong sineng Pilipino!” Lang exclaimed.
Lang also produced “Ang Pagdadalaga…,” which was directed by Auraeus Solito.
The Spirit Awards nominations were announced Tuesday morning by actors Diego Luna and Rosario Dawson at the W Hotel in Hollywood.
The other nominees for the best international film prize, given by the Spirit Awards to the director, are “Force Majeure” (Sweden), “Ida” (Poland), “Leviathan” (Russia), “Mommy (Canada)” and “Under the Skin” (United Kingdom).
“Norte…,” Diaz’s four-hour plus reimagining of Dostoevsky’s “Crime and Punishment,” was written by Rody Vera and Diaz with story by Vera, Lang and Michiko Yamamoto. The epic drama stars Sid Lucero and Angeli Bayani.
The film was recently screened for Golden Globe Awards’ best foreign film consideration.
The Spirit Awards winners will be announced as per its long tradition – a day before the Oscars, on February 21, and in its usual venue in a white tent on the beach in Santa Monica, California. Over the years, as indie cinema has grown, the Spirit Awards has also evolved into a big film awards event.
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Originally posted: 6:02 AM | Wednesday, November 26th, 2014