PH sweeps Asean International Film Festival and Awards

Louie Ignacio won as best director for his film “Area” at the Asean International Film Festival and Awards, held at the Grand Ballroom of the Pullman Hotel in Kuching, Malaysia on Saturday night, May 6, 2017.

The Philippines won six trophies at the Asean International Film Festival and Awards, held at the Grand Ballroom of the Pullman Hotel in Kuching, Malaysia on Saturday night.

“Is this for real? I can’t believe I won,“ comedienne Ai-Ai delas Alas told the Inquirer upon learning that she had just bagged the best actress trophy at the Aiffa for her role as a veteran prostitute in Louie Ignacio’s “Area.”

“Grabe si Lord! I feel so blessed,” exclaimed Delas Alas who was not able to travel to Malaysia for the event due to prior commitments in the Philippines.

Ignacio, who accepted the trophy for Delas Alas, won best director for “Area,” as well.

Best supporting actress went to another Filipino, Ana Capri who won for another Ignacio film, “Laut.”

Ricky Davao scored the best supporting actor award for Bor Ocampo’s “Dayang Asu.”

The Philippines swept the acting categories, winning three except for best actor.

The country also brought home the best editing prize for the work of Lawrence Fajardo in the film he directed “Imbisibol.”

A Special Honor award was bestowed on Lav Diaz’s “Ang Babaeng Humayo,” for winning the top prize at the Venice Film Festival last year.

Best film was bagged by Vietnam’s “The Way Station.”

“Ip Man” and “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” actor Donnie Yen was given the Asean Inspiration Award, the same honor that Jackie Chan got in 2015.

Meanwhile, Philippine Superstar Nora Aunor, who received the Lifetime Achievement honor in 2015, handed over this year’s Lifetime Achievement award to Malay filmmaker and film advocate Tan Sri Lakshmanan Krishnan. /atm