First time’s the charm at World fest

The World Premieres Film Festival 2015 awards ceremony on Sunday was a night of many firsts.

Filipino actress Mercedes Cabral bagged her first acting award for her performance in Alvin Yapan’s “An Kubo sa Kawayanan” under the Filipino New Cinema category.

Spanish director Anna Muruagarren, a finalist in the Main Competition, received her first international honor (Grand Festival Prize) for her first full-length feature, “Three Lies.”

Italian writer-director Ruben Maria Soriquez won best actor for “Of Sinners and Saints” under the Filipino New Cinema section. While he has been a theater actor in Italy since the early 1990s, “Of Sinners and Saints” is his first big-screen project.

“I didn’t expect to win an acting award,” said Cabral, who donned a creation by designer John Paras at the awards ceremony held at the Center Stage, SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. “ I was only aiming for the best dressed trophy.”

Cabral plays a woman who refuses to leave her bamboo house.

“This is overwhelming. To be recognized for something that you love to do is a bonus,” Cabral told the Inquirer. “This is for my parents who taught me to be grateful for everything that comes my way—whether good or bad. They taught me to simply follow my heart and pursue my dreams.”

Discrimination

Murugarren, a multi-awarded director in Spain, dedicated her victory to women who suffered discrimination in Spain. She said: “To those whose rights were trampled on, this is for you.”

“Three Lies” is a thriller that tackles the issue of stolen children in Spain. It centers on Violeta (Nora Novas), who was sold as a newborn. The film won best film and Gender Equality at the 15th Tudela Opera Prima Festival in Spain.

Murugarren said she was set to do two films this year, also with “Three Lies” producer Joaquin Trincado. “The first is a comedy, while the second is about the Spanish Civil War. I hope that one of those two movies will pave the way for me to return to the Philippines in a year or two.”

Meanwhile, Soriquez, founder of the Manila-based See Thru Pictures Inc., said he was negotiating for three different films to be shot in the Philippines. He added: “My next movie will definitely be with (Filipino actor) Alvin Anson, who has become a good friend. I also wish to work with Dennis Trillo, who was impressive in ‘The Janitor.’ I find Angel Locsin intense… same with Lovi Poe.”

Passionate, giving

The Italian actor-director said: “Filipino actors are passionate and giving. My actor Polo Ravales worked from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. the next day. It was a tiring fight scene, but he gave his all.” The film also copped best production design (for Rowena Concepcion).

Winner of the Grand Jury Prize (Main Competition) is Burak Cem Arliel’s “Crimean” (Turkey), while Li-Da Hsu’s “The End of Love” (Taiwan) bagged the Special Jury Prize.

Spanish actor Nora Navas copped best actress for “Three Lies,” while Murat Yildirim won best actor for “Crimean.” The best ensemble performance trophy was given to the cast of Angga Dwimas Sasongko’s “Filosofi Kopi” (Indonesia).

Alexander Melnik’s “Territory” (Russia) was the recipient of the best artistic contribution award in the Main Competition, while Remy Van Heugten’s “The Son of Mine” (The Netherlands) bagged the Technical Grand Prize.

Proclaimed best picture in the Filipino New Cinema category is Yapan’s “An Kubo sa Kawayanan,” which also won best editing (for Benjamin Tolentino.

“Piring,” by Craig Woodruff Jr.(aka actor Carlos Morales), was declared second best picture. It also won for Woodruff the best screenplay honor. Best supporting actor is Rocky Salumbides, also for “Piring.”

Will Fredo’s comedy “Filemon Mamon,” bagged two awards: Best musical score (Sherwin Castillo and Maynard de Guzman) and best supporting actress for Giselle Sanchez. Nestor Abrogena’s “Ang Kwento Nating Dalawa” won best sound engineering (for Bryan Dumaguina).

The Cine Verde Prize for best environmental feature was given to Gunther Schwaiger’s “Since the World was World” (Spain/Austria), a documentary on climate change.

A new award this year, the Intercontinental Prize for best feature, was handed to Tiha Gudac’s “Naked Island” (Croatia) and Tom Waller’s “The Last Executioner” (Thailand).