Filipino actors win big at 1st Asean film fest; ‘Sta. Niña’ named best picture

ALESSANDRA de Rossi. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Filipino film artists won big in the 1st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) International Film Festival and Awards held from March 28 to 30 in Sarawak, Malaysia.

Alessandra de Rossi won Best Actress  while Anita Linda won Best Supporting Actress for their performances in the film “Sta. Nina” by Emmanuel Quindo Palo, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement Tuesday.

“Sta. Nina” also won the Best Picture-Drama honors,” the DFA said.

Bugoy Cariño, who performed in the film “Alagwa” by director Ian Dean Lorenos, won Best Supporting Actor.

“Once again, Filipino artistry in film shone brightly in this festival.  With these honors, we have uplifted the profile of the Filipino community here in Malaysia and in the entire Asean.  I extend to them my warmest congratulations,” Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia J. Eduardo Malaya said in the statement.

“Here in Malaysia, the Philippines and Filipino actors are well-admired because of their talent and charisma.  Malaysian channels have bought rights to and screen Filipino soap operas here, which are actively watched and enjoyed by audiences here.  In fact, some Filipino actors enjoy a huge following in this country,” he said.

Philippines and Malaysia both won four awards in the festival while Indonesia won three and Singapore won one.

Brunei Darussalam, Laos, Myanmar, and Hong Kong, also participated in the film festival.

“Eleven Filipino feature films joined over 100 films made by Asean artists in the the maiden edition of the film festival, including Tyrone Acierto’s ‘The Grave Bandits’, Whammy Alcazaren’s ‘Colossal’, Lawrence Fajardo’s ‘Posas’, Marie Jamora’s ‘Ang Nawawala’, Gutierrez Mangansakan II’s ‘Qiyamah’, Vincent Sandoval’s ‘Aparisyon’, Richard Somes’ ‘Supremo’ and Paul Sta. Ana’s ‘Oros’,” the DFA said.

Filipino personalities participated in the film festival such as actor Ricky Davao, who was part of the jury, and Jericho Rosales who was nominated for Best Actor award for his role in the film “Alagwa.”

“Filipinos also played vital roles during the awards ceremonies, with actors Alfred Vargas and Dominic Roco presenting the awards and Miss Saigon star Ima Castro performing in one of the intermission numbers,” the DFA said.

“A student’s short film, Juan Paulo Reyes’ ‘Ode to Home,’ was also screened during the festival,” it said.

The Philippine delegation was led by cinematographer Rain Yamson II.