It's wonderful to see a surge of Filipino human interest stories in international films lately. Everywhere you go, there's a Filipino story waiting to be told; our country a cornucopia of the most fascinating people, backgrounds, and tales. Our culture is just brimming with so much color and its always a treat to see great movies give it the justice it deserves!
What I've been dying to see lately are the two international films gaining a lot of steam in the film fest circuit lately-- two distinct stories of the Filipino, but shot almost entirely by foreign directors and crew! One of them is the much talked-about "ILOILO", a heartwarming feature film debut from Singaporean filmmaker Anthony Chen. After travelling and collecting awards from all over the world, this much talked-about feature is set to make its special Cebu premiere this November 30 at Ayala Cinema 3!
Inspired by his true life experiences with his former nanny Teresita Sajonia, Chen's "Iloilo" tells of the relationship between a family of three and their newly arrived Filipino maid, Teresa, who has come like many other Filipino women in search of a better life. The title refers to the home province of Teresita. The Chen brothers and Teresita (fondly known as Auntie Terry) had not seen each other since 1997 until Cebu-based PR consultant Charles Lim helped find her and reunited the former nanny and her wards for the first time in July this year with the assistance of Cebu Pacific.
The film was unveiled last May at the 66th Cannes International Film Festival where it won the Camera d’Or for Best Debut Feature. “Iloilo” has so far traveled to more than 20 international filmfests. It has received numerous awards and recognitions, including Singapore’s Best Foreign Language Film entry to the Oscars, Best First Film at the British Film Institute London Film Festival, Best Feature Film at the Molodist International Film Festival, Best Narrative Feature at the Philadelphia Film Festival and Best Film at the Pacific Meridian Film Festival. The film also reaped four more awards last weekend during the Golden Horse Awards in Taiwan which includes Best Supporting Actress for Yeo Yann Yann, Best New Director and Best in Original Screenplay for Anthony Chen and the Best Feature Film.
This is a special film event I will definitely not miss! Catch the special premiere of "Iloilo" on November 30, 10am, at the Ayala Cinema 3. This event is for the benefit of the Freeman Foundation. For more information, contact Precious Heradura at 09228596363 or email selrahcopr@gmail.com.
This is a special film event I will definitely not miss! Catch the special premiere of "Iloilo" on November 30, 10am, at the Ayala Cinema 3. This event is for the benefit of the Freeman Foundation. For more information, contact Precious Heradura at 09228596363 or email selrahcopr@gmail.com.
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