Treb Monteras II on the set of “Respeto” —PETER TOM TOLIBAS
Clearly, this is not the same Famas of yore.
The highlight of the 66th Famas Awards was the audaciously rousing acceptance speech made by Treb Monteras II, whose Cinemalaya film “Respeto” won the Grand Jury Prize, along with Arnel Barbarona’s “Tu Pug Imatuy.”
Monteras dedicated the honor to victims of human rights violations, then and now—specifically, those who suffered during the martial law regime and those who are now suffering in the ongoing war against drugs.
He asserted: “Huwag tayong matakot na gamitin ang ating boses para magtanong, para magsalita at higit sa lahat para mag-ingay! (Let us not be afraid to use our voice to inquire, to speak and, more than anything else, to make noise!)”
Treb and son Aidyn at the Famas
Monteras told the Inquirer: “I want to encourage other filmmakers and artists to use our craft to speak up about what’s happening in our country. We are a very strong community, but we won’t win this battle if we keep silent.”
“Respeto” is vying for two trophies (best director for Monteras and best actor for Abra) at the Asian New Talent Awards of the Shanghai International Film Festival.
“Respeto” joins four other Filipino films in Shanghai: Shireen Seno’s “Nervous Translation,” Raya Martin’s “Smaller and Smaller Circles,” JP Habac’s “I’m Drunk I Love You” and Mikhail Red’s “Neomanila.”
Red told the Inquirer: “It’s interesting to note that ‘Neomanila’ and ‘Respeto’ deal with the drug war and EJK (extrajudicial killings). I think it’ll be the first time Chinese audiences will get a glimpse [of the issue]. I am curious to see their reaction.” —BAYANI SAN DIEGO JR.
Treb (left) and Abra on the set of “Respeto” —JEB GARCIA