Three PH films in Karlovy Vary

Three Filipino films will be screened at the 51st Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, in the Czech Republic, from July 1 to 9. Apart from Lav Diaz’s “Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis” and Pepe Diokno’s “Kapatiran,” Brillante Ma. Mendoza’s “Ma’ Rosa” is also in the lineup of Karlovy Vary—one of the A-list film festivals in the world.

The fest’s web site called “Kapatiran” “fascinating and harrowing” and “Ma’ Rosa” a “rain-swept… small-scale drama.”

Meanwhile, the site praised “Hele” as “one of the most distinctive and artistic films of the year… a historical, philosophical and social tour de force.”

“Hele” won the Silver Bear Alfred Bauer prize at the Berlinale, while “Ma’ Rosa” bagged best actress, for lead star Jaclyn Jose, at the Cannes this year.

“Kapatiran” is in Karlovy Vary’s Out of Competition section, “Hele” in Another View and “Ma’ Rosa” in Horizons.

Every year, the Karlovy Vary fest features at least 200 films from all over the world. Bayani San Diego Jr.