Screen grab from LJ Reyes’ Instagram account.
Actress LJ Reyes won the best actress award in the 13th Pacific Meridian International Film Festival in Vladivostok, Russia for her role in the film “Anino sa Likod ng Buwan” (Shadow Behind the Moon), which has critically-acclaimed director Jun Robles Lana at its helm.
Reyes’ performance was extolled in Vladivostok as her “brave and fearless performance depicting a very complex character that has enabled the director to fulfill a most ambitious vision.”
The actress said that she cried upon learning the good news.
“Last night, I got a message from Direk Jun, an update of the awards night. He was very excited to tell me “… We have won 3 awards so far…. Including BEST ACTRESS!!!!!! …”! And I think it was the first time I burst out in tears!!!!” Reyes shared on her Instagram account Saturday.
She said that taking up the role challenged her and pushed her beyond her limits.
The actress thanked Lana for trusting her with the role.
“This project was very challenging for me in so many ways. When I accepted it, it was I believe very far from my abilities. I remember that meeting in a hotel with Direk when I told him “Direk ikaw na bahala sakin!”. This film, my character Emma, pushed me beyond my limits and challenged me as an actor,” she added.
Aside from best actress, Anino sa Likod ng Buwan also won best director for Lana, the the NETPAC Jury Best Asian Film award, and FIPRESCI International Critics Prize.
In an Inquirer report, Lana said their award haul marks the first time for a film in the Pacific Meridian film fest to win four awards. AJH/JE