Direk Jun Lana wins in Estonia

Elijah Canlas (left) with Jaclyn Jose

“This is your story,” declared Jun Robles Lana, who bagged the best director trophy at the 2019 Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in Estonia for his work on the coming-of-age film “Kalel, 15.”

“I dedicate this film to all the kids back home who are living with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus),” said Lana during his acceptance speech. “I will try my best to get your story seen by as many people as possible.”

Ferdy Lapuz, the film’s producer, posted a video on Facebook of Lana accepting the trophy from British director Mike Newell.

The film, Lana’s 12th full-length feature, had its world premiere in Estonia. It tells the story of 15-year-old Kalel who gets diagnosed with HIV and therefore has to make choices no child should ever make.

Director Jun Lana

It features Elijah Canlas as lead, with Jaclyn Jose, Cedrick Juan, Eddie Garcia, Gabby Padilla, Elora Espanto and Sue Prado as support.—MARINEL R. CRUZ