‘Mindanao’ is PH’s entry for Oscars 2021

MANILA, Philippines — Brillante Mendoza’s “Mindanao” has been chosen to be the Philippines’ entry to the Best International Feature Film Category for the 93rd Academy Awards, the Film Academy of the Philippines announced Tuesday.

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“We are pleased to announce the selection of the feature film, ‘Mindanao,’ as the Philippines’ official entry to the 93rd OSCARS International Feature Film category,” the film body said in its post.

“Congratulations and best wishes!” it added.

“Mindanao,” apart from its themes of age-old war, tells the story of a Muslim mother (Judy Ann Santos) who is awaiting the return of her soldier husband (Allen Dizon) while she takes care of their cancer-stricken daughter.

For her performance in the film, Santos was awarded best actress in the 41st Cairo International Film Festival in 2019. “Mindanao” also scored the Henry Barakat Award for best artistic contribution in the same festival.

The Mendoza-helmed film also swept up most of the awards during the 45th Metro Manila Film Festival last year, including best picture.

The 93rd Academy Awards, more popularly known as the Oscars, is scheduled to take place on April 25, 2021.

JE