Arlyn de la Cruz (center) directs Ping Medina and Elizabeth Oropesa on the set of “Maratabat.”
“Maratabat,” the feature film directorial debut of veteran journalist and Radyo Inquirer news director Arlyn dela Cruz, won the Best International Film award at The People’s Film Festival (TPFF) in New York City on Tuesday (Manila time).
It was shown at Julia de Burgos Performing Arts Center in New York City on Monday.
READ: ‘Maratabat’ goes to New York
The director, who is also a journalist, said she cried upon receiving the good news.
“Napatayo ako and read ko agad email. How do I feel? Masaya! Naiyak,” Dela Cruz told INQUIRER.net.
Apart from thanking her actors and production team members, Dela Cruz offered the film’s win to her colleagues in the media.
“I share this award to my Maratabat actors and the entire production team and also to my colleagues in the media,” she said. “Alam ninyo ang kuwento ng Maratabat. I am truly grateful for the award.”
TPFF marks the first time “Maratabat” became an international film festival entry.
“Maratabat” means “pride and honor.”
READ: Intrepid ‘newshen’ takes risks to tell urgent tales
The film, which was first shown in 2014, is said to be based on Dela Cruz’s experiences as a veteran journalist.
Starring Ping Medina, Julio Diaz, Kristoffer King, Richard Quan, Chanel Latorre, Shyr Valdez, Alvin Fortuna, Carlo Cruz, Aileen Intia and M. Elizabeth Oropesa, the film depicts the clash of political clans in Mindanao. AJH/rga
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