‘Hamog’ wins in Shanghai

FROM left: Emir Kusturica, Therese Malvar and Ralston Jover

Ralston Jover’s “Hamog (Haze)” won the Outstanding Artistic Achievement Award at the 19th Shanghai International Film Festival held in China on Sunday. Jover attended the A-list festival with lead actress Therese Malvar.

Jover told the Inquirer that he was “surprised” by the win. “It was the first award to be handed out that evening,” he recalled. “I was very happy, but it also felt weird because the Chinese audience members, after congratulating me, would ask to hold the trophy—as if they were awardees, too.”

The jury, led by Serbian director Emir Kusturica, commended the Filipino film which tells the story of street children. Kusturica explained that “the documentary style fits the subject matter … authentic.”

Juror and Canadian filmmaker Atom Egoyan praised certain scenes as “expressive and moving” and the young actors as “real and natural.” Mauritanian filmmaker Abderrahmane Sissako said “Hamog” was “unforgettable.” Italian director Daniele Luchetti agreed: “Very interesting.”

“Hamog” previously won four awards at the Cinema One Originals: Special Jury Prize, best actress (Malvar), supporting actor (Bor Lentejas) and editing (Charliebebs Gohetia). Next stop for the gritty drama is the Moscow International Film Festival, June 23-30. Bayani San Diego Jr.