Big win for PH films in Texas

Tony Mabesa (left) and Eddie Garcia in “Rainbow’s Sunset”

Joel Lamangan’s “Rainbow’s Sunset” emerged as a big winner on Sunday night (Manila time) after bagging three major awards at the 52nd Worldfest-Houston International Film Festival in Texas, United States.

The film, about an aging man’s (Eddie Garcia) admission to his family of his romantic feelings for his best friend (Toni Mabesa), won the Special Jury Prize. It also clinched the Gold Remi awards for best story innovation (for Eric Ramos) and best actor, which was shared by Garcia and Mabesa.

Mabesa, who was with Lamangan and producer Ferdy Lapuz in Houston to attend the film fest, said it was “such a great honor to be recognized at the third oldest film festival in the US, where more than 72 countries participated. It’s a big honor for the Philippines, indeed.”

Asked how it felt like to be sharing the award with Garcia, he pointed out that “Eddie deserves the award. He is the major protagonist in the film. We were all, in a sense, reacting to Eddie’s character.”

Mabesa added that “Joel is an actor’s director. I love working with him in film, TV and the theater.”

Ramos, meanwhile, pointed out that the trophy was his first international award as a screenwriter. “Naturally, I’m thrilled,” he said when asked for his reaction to the victory. It is his third for “Rainbow’s Sunset,” with the first coming from the jury of the 2018 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) and, second, from the academicians behind Gawad Pasado.

“The jury called it a Story Innovation Award, so it must be a recognition of the script’s uniquely Filipino take on the subject of gay relationships,” he stressed. “I remember telling my colleagues during the MMFF that the two of them (Garcia and Mabesa) deserved to share best actor honor for their stellar work in ‘Rainbow’s Sunset.’ I’m so happy that my wish came true in Houston.”

“School Service”

Another big winner is Louie Ignacio’s “School Service,” which won two Gold Remi awards (under the Foreign Language category and Asian Cinema section).

“Ngiti ni Nazareno”

Meanwhile, Ignacio’s “Ngiti ni Nazareno” got the Bronze Remi award in the Short Film Drama category, while Joji Alonso’s short film “Last Order” bagged the Platinum Remi award.