Darwin Yu (left) and Lotlot de Leon in “1st Sem”
Two Filipino films have scored nominations at this year’s Madrid International Film Festival, to be held in Spain from July 21 to 28.
Joel Lamangan’s “Bhoy Intsik” was nominated in six categories, while Allan Michael Ibañez and Dexter Hemedez’s “1st Sem” cinched four nods.
A Sinag Maynila product, “Bhoy Intsik” is in the running for the Jury Award, as well as the best foreign language feature film, director (for Lamangan), cinematography (Rain Yamson), original screenplay (Ronald Carballo), and editing (John Anthony Wong) honors.
A CineFilipino movie, “1st Sem” is vying for the best director (for Hemedez and Ibañez), lead actor (Darwin Yu), original score (Ernie Magtuto), and sound design (Mark Laccay) awards.
Lamangan told the Inquirer: “I am pleased and honored…
Any citation bestowed by a foreign festival to a Filipino film is like a shot in the arm of our local film industry.”
RS Francisco in “Bhoy Intsik”
‘Very happy’
Ibañez remarked: “We’re very happy for Darwin’s first international nomination and hopefully it will open more doors for him in the industry.”
He is looking forward to their debut film’s screening in Madrid. “We hope the festival’s audience will appreciate our work.”
Hemedez, Ibañez’s codirector, agreed: “We are thrilled that after more than two years, our film is still being recognized in different countries abroad, such as Spain and Ukraine.”
The dramedy was also shown at the recent Kiev International Film Festival in Ukraine.
It is the duo’s second time to take part in a Spanish event.
“The first time was in Bilbao for the Zinetxiki Children and Youth International Film Festival,” Hemedez recalled.
He related that Yu had expressed “excitement” about the Madrid citation. “We are glad that other members of our team have been recognized, as well.”
He is especially thankful for the music score nod. “I feel that music is one of the best but underrated elements of the film.”
As newcomers, Hemedez said he and Ibañez are “honored to be nominated alongside” a seasoned veteran like Lamangan. They also expressed gratitude to CineFilipino festival director Madonna Tarrayo for the “kind words” and unwavering support.