Metro Manila, Philippines – Ten full-length films were featured in the 20th year of film festival Cinemalaya, and “Tumandok” was named as best film.
Aside from the Best Film Award, “Tumandok” also won the Best Screenplay and Best Original Score awards of Cinemalaya. It also got the Network for Promotion of Asia Pacific Cinema Award for Best Film.
“Tumandok” is a documentary fiction film directed by Iloilo-based filmmakers Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay and Richard Jeroui Salvadico. Its script was written by Sumagaysay and Arden Rod Condez.
The film sheds light on the marginalized sector, those disempowered by the powerful, the rich, and corrupt government.
Paulo Almaden and the Ati People of Kabarankalan and Nagpana worked on the winning original score of “Tumandok.”
Meanwhile, Jaime Pacena II brought home the Best Director award for his film “Kono Basho.”
The Best Actress award had a tie – Marian Rivera who starred in “Balota” and Gabby Padilla for her role in “Kono Basho.”
Sue Prado was Best Supporting Actress for her performance in “Kantil.”
The Best Actor award went to Enzo Osorio of “The Hearing,” while Felipe Ganancial of “Tumandok” was Best Supporting Actor.
Dan Villegas’ cinematography and Eero Yves Francisco’s production design, both for “Kono Basho,” bested the rest.
Dominic Bekaert from “An Errand” was recognized for best editing. The film’s Jedd Dumaguina and Mario Consuji clinched the Best Sound award.
J. L. Burgos’ Alipato at Muog received the Special Jury Prize.
BC Amparado’s “Gulay Lang, Manong,” meanwhile, caught moviegoers’ hearts, winning the Audience Choice Award.
Below is the list of awardees for the short-film category:
+ Best Film – “Cross My Heart and Hope to Die” by Sam Manacsa
+ Best Director – Sam Manacsa (“Cross My Heart and Hope to Die”)
+ Best Screenplay – Sonny Calvento (“Primetime Mother”)
+ Network for Promotion of Asia Pacific Cinema Award for Best Film – “Abogbaybay” by P.R. Monencillo Patindol
+ Special Jury Prize – “Pamalandong sa Danow” by Breech Asher Harani
+ Audience Choice Award – “Primetime Mother” by Sonny Calvento
NewsWatch Plus correspondent Daniza Fernandez contributed to this report.
