“Jodilerks dela Cruz: Employee of the Month”
Carlo Francisco Manatad’s “Jodilerks dela Cruz: Employee of the Month” won best short film in the Southeast Asian Short Film Competition of the 28th Singapore International Film Festival held recently at the Marina Bay Sands.
The Filipino production bested 14 other short films in the section. The jury commended Manatad’s film for its “dark humor…[which] worked very well in showing the series of events that unfolded during a gas attendant’s last day at work.”
The jurors elaborated that “the farcical approach in the storytelling was very effective in depicting the issues of lawlessness, crime and violence, affecting not only the country in question, but the world at large.”
Surprise
“The selection…was quite strong,” Manatad told the Inquirer. “So winning came as a surprise. But it also goes to show that the film has, one way or another, affected viewers and has made them perceive questions not only about the reality that is happening in our country, but across the world, as well.”
An honoree in this year’s Inquirer Indie Bravo! Awards, Manatad values this latest achievement. “It signifies that I am on the right track. Winning is a bonus; the main prize is seeing the people act and react to the film I’ve made. It gives me the proper validation and push to do more…and [aim for something] greater than what I am expected to do.”
He has high hopes for these citations. “I wish that these awards will serve as inspiration to other young filmmakers, too.”
The Singapore fest is described as “a celebration of Asian cinema and the recognition of a new wave of regional independent filmmakers.”—BAYANI SAN DIEGO JR.