PH film wins in France
Laila Ulao in “Women of the Weeping River”
Sheron Dayoc’s “Women of the Weeping River” won the best director award at the 5th War on Screen International Film Festival, held in Châlons-en-Champagne, France on Oct. 8.
Previous commitments prevented Dayoc from attending the fest, but he sent an acceptance speech that was read during the ceremony. In his speech, he said that he was “pleased and surprised” to win the “Mise en Scène award.”
He explained that the honor is a “crucial validation that we are creating a significant film not just for the Philippines, but also for a wider foreign audience.”
He pointed out that his film seeks to achieve “a deeper understanding of a deeply rooted culture of violence” in southern Philippines.
“The current political conflict cannot be solved unless we first address this culture of violence,” he asserted.
He shared the recognition with the entire team, “the Southern Lantern Studios, TBA Studios and Haut Lesmains.”
The War on Screen fest “offers a fresh, multifaceted and international perspective on the many relationships between cinema and conflict—be it past, present or future.” —BAYANI SAN DIEGO JR.
