Filipinos in Cannes 2017

Angeli Bayani and Ross Pesigan at the Palais

It was like the “Amazing Race,” Cannes edition.

In spite of rushed visa applications and last-minute flights, director Carlo Francisco Manatad and his actors, Angeli Bayani and Ross Pesigan, made it to the Croisette, the famous boulevard of celluloid dreams.

Manatad’s short film, “Jodilerks dela Cruz, Employee of the Month” is an entry in the 56th International Critics’ Week of the 70th Cannes Film Festival, ongoing in the south of France until May 26.

Meanwhile, Brillante Ma Mendoza, who won Cannes best director for “Kinatay” in 2009, is back in the world’s glitziest cinema event—to mentor budding filmmakers at the 9th Fabrique des Cinemas du Monde. Between classes and meetings, Mendoza granted an interview to Cannes Radio, the fest’s official station.—BAYANI SAN DIEGO JR.

Brillante Ma Mendoza (center) grants interview with Cannes Radio.

Carlo Francisco Manatad