All indies in critics’ group nominations

Independent productions dominate this year’s honor roll of the critics’ group Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino, poised to hold the 36th Urian Awards.

All nominees for best film were directed by indie filmmakers: Arnel Mardoquio’s “Ang Paglalakbay ng mga Bituin sa Gabing Madilim,” Auraeus Solito’s “Baybayin,” Jun Robles Lana’s “Bwakaw,” Whammy Alcazaren’s “Colossal,” Mes de Guzman’s “Diablo,” Lav Diaz’s “Florentina Hubaldo CTE,” Adolfo Alix Jr.’s “Mater Dolorosa,” Paul Sta. Ana’s “Oros,” Lawrence Fajardo’s “Posas” and Brillante Ma. Mendoza’s “Thy Womb.”

Veterans and newcomers are in the race for top acting prizes, with father and son Bembol Roco (“Thy Womb”) and Dominic Roco (“Ang Nawawala”) vying for best actor.

Other best actor nominees are: JM de Guzman (“Intoy Syokoy ng Kalye Marino”), Nico Antonio (“Posas”), Kristoffer King (“Oros”), Eddie Garcia (“Bwakaw”), Coco Martin (“Sta. Niña”), Joem Bascon (“Qwerty”), Jericho Rosales (“Alagwa”), Adrian Sebastian (“Baybayin”), Ananda Everingham (“Kalayaan”), Anthony Falcon (“REquieme”) and Deuel Raynon Ladia (“Anac Ti Pating”).

In the best actress race, sisters Assunta de Rossi and Alessandra de Rossi (both for “Baybayin”) are competing, along with Nora Aunor (“Thy Womb”), Gina Alajar (“Mater Dolorosa”), Ama Quiambao (“Diablo”), Jodi Sta. Maria (“Aparisyon”), Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino (“REquieme”), Olga Natividad (“Mga Dayo”) and Liza Diño (“In Nomine Matris”).

Alessandra de Rossi is also nominated for best supporting actress twice over, for “Mater Dolorosa” and “Sta. Niña.”

Cinema One, ABS-CBN’s all-Filipino movie cable channel, will produce the Gawad Urian awards show, which will be held at the Rockwell Tent on June 18. Bayani San Diego Jr.