Richard Gomez, ‘Children’s Show’ win in Portugal film fest

Photos courtesy of Harlene Bautista

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines brought home two awards at the 35th Oporto International Film Festival, popularly known as Fantasporto, held in Portugal last March 7.

In the Orient Express section, Roderick Cabrido’s “Children’s Show” won the Special Jury Award.

Meanwhile, Richard Gomez won best actor in the Directors’ Week competition for Michael Tuviera’s “The Janitor.”

A “beautiful” blessing, Gomez described the honor, his first international citation. “It’s great to be recognized for my work in indie films.”

Cabrido, for his part, said: “I didn’t expect this … I was just really happy that we got included in the fest. Winning an award is inspiring.”

Cabrido said the film’s producers, Harlene Bautista and Romnick Sarmenta, were in Portugal to receive the award.

Best film in the Orient Express section went to Shim Sung-bo’s “Hae Moo” from South Korea.

In the Directors’ Week derby, best film went to Shawkat Amin Korki’s “Memories on Stone” from Iraq, while best actress was won by Maxine Peake of the United Kingdom for “Keeping Rosy.”

In the main “Fantasy” competition, Karoly Meszaros’ “Liza, the Fox Fairy” (Hungary) won best film.

Special Jury Award went to Lowell Dean’s “Wolfcop” of Canada. Rupert Evans of the UK won best actor for “The Canal,” while Georgia Bradley, also of the UK, won best actress for “Hungerford.”

Perci Intalan’s “Dementia” competed in the fest’s main section.

The Fantasporto, according to its web site, aims to “promote high-quality independent cinema and the new generation of filmmakers.”

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