Filipinos win big at Manhattan film fest

Filipino movies, filmmakers, and actors bagged 11 awards at the International Film Festival Manhattan (IFFM) 2018.

Held in New York City from October 17 to 21, the festival showcased films from the Philippines and various parts of the world, including France, Italy, Sweden, Bulgaria, and Canada.

The Awards Night, held at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center in New York on October 18, featured Joel Lamangan’s movie ‘Sekyu.’

Many filmmakers from the Philippines attended their movie’s respective screenings, including actress Harlene Bautista; directors Dexter Macaraeg, Mike Magat, Mark Sicat De la Cruz, and Arvin Belarmino; and producers Kate Brios, Froilan Sales, Dan Masinsin, and Patsy Ferrer.

Also in attendance were Philippine Center for Creative Imaging Operations Manager Jheng Bautista and Maindie Producer Baby Go .

“I am honored to feature these talented Filipino filmmakers on screen and onstage during their Q&A’s. They are some of them most prolific filmmakers in the Philippines right now,” IFFM Festival Director  Luis Pedron was quoted as saying by a media statement released by IFFM on Monday.

This year’s festival, sponsored by LumoXchange and Philippines Airlines, partnered with the IFFM to hold a contest for short films featuring immigrant stories.

The winners were: Grand Prize Winner: “Disiotso” (Director: Mike Magat); 2nd place – Best Collaborative Award – “Tawag” (Director: Cheska Paloma); 3rd place – Advocacy Award: “Kuya” (Director Emir Khan Bautista-PCCI); and 4th place – Family Oriented Award: “Laya” (Director: Arvin Belarmino)”

Here is the full list of Filipino winners at the International Film Festival Manhattan 2018:

1) Lifetime Achievement Awardee:  Baby Go (Philippines)
2) Best Student Film: “Kiss” Director: Harlene Bautista (Philippines)
3) Best Production Design: Chop Chop Blues PD: Fritz Silorio (Philippines)
4) Best Cinematography: DP: Jameelah Rose Prado Lineses (Philippines/Saudi Arabia)
5) IFFM Most Popular: “Who Am I” Director: Mark Justine Aguillon (Philippines)
6) Best Short: “Black Palette” Director: Fritz Silorio; Producer: Kate Brios, Froilan Sales (Philippines)
7) Best Director Short: “Public Service” Director: Mark Dela Cruz (Philippines)
8) Best Actor: “Sekyu” Actor: Allen Dizon (Philippines)
9) Best Actress: “The Maid in London” Actress: Andi Eigenmann (Philippines/UK)
10) Best Documentary: “Revolution Selfie The Red Batallion” Director: Steven de Castro (Philippines/USA)
11) Independent Achievement Award: (TIE) ”Am-Amma “ Director/Producer: Dexter Macaraeg (Philippines), “Kadena” Director: Arvin Belarmino; Producers: Patsy Ferrer, Dan Masinsin (Philippines) /ee