PH film adjudged ‘most entertaining’ in Osaka fest

Crisanto B. Aquino (right)

The romantic-comedy film “Write About Love” bagged the ABC TV award at the recently concluded Osaka Asian Film Festival 2020 (OAFF) in Japan, its director Crisanto B. Aquino told Inquirer Entertainment on Sunday night.

“As stated in the certificate, the award goes to the most entertaining film of all entries,” Aquino explained via chat. “‘Write About Love’ will be broadcast in Japan via the ABC channel, which is like ABS-CBN or GMA 7 in our country.”

“Write About Love,” which was an official entry in the 2019 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), is the story of a young female scribe (Miles Ocampo), who teams up with a seasoned male writer (Rocco Nacino). They must work together to rewrite the script of an unfinished love story (with characters played by Joem Bascon and Yeng Constantino).

Aquino, as well as producer Lexter Tarriela, had been in Japan since March 9. They left for Manila on the 16th, the director said. “It was surprising for us to have gotten the award because the festival only handed out eight [awards]. So, for the Philippines to snatch one was really a blessing,” he pointed out.

Cast of “Write About Love,” from left: Rocco Nacino, Yeng Constantino, Joem Bascon and Miles Ocampo

“Actually, just to be included in the OAFF 2020 is already heartwarming. Also, a Japanese reporter told us in an interview that people there love Filipino movies because of their quality and good talents,” Aquino recalled.

Fifty-eight films from 23 countries competed at the OAFF this year. Five of which were from the Philippines. “Write About Love” and “Babae at Baril” were part of the competition section, while three were for exhibition: “Metamorphosis,” “Last Song Syndrome” and “Sunshine Family.” INQ