Ronwaldo Martin and Hasmine Killip (right)
Eduardo Roy Jr.’s “Pamilya Ordinaryo” won two special honors at the recently concluded London East Asia Film Festival, in the United Kingdom. The Filipino film brought home the Special Jury Mention award and its lead star, Hasmine Killip, was given a Citation for Acting.
The inaugural fest’s jury commends the Cinemalaya best picture winner, thus: “Roy’s camera is unrelenting in its portrayal of harrowing events, but maintains an unsentimental respect for the lives of its characters.” The film is also cited for “taking care to remind” viewers that the characters’ “circumstances come from broader social and political influences.”
Killip is recognized for “her believable and touching performance. Her innocent and energetic method makes [the audience] feel and understand the plight of a mother in this difficult situation.”
The indie drama tells the story of homeless teenagers who search for their baby, who was stolen by a criminal.
The fest aims “to bring together Asian films that will help audiences understand the diversity and richness of [the region’s] cinemas and cultures.”—BAYANI SAN DIEGO JR.