“Have you seen any of the films?” From Day 1 of the Cinemalaya 19 until the last screening day, I’ve
From Day 1 of the Cinemalaya 19 until the last screening day, I’ve heard this question a hundred times from people I know and even from random strangers who were buying tickets from our takilyera whose Box Office counter was stationed right beside the media counter.
He’s one of the easiest filmmakers to work with, always replying to queries and very generous with his time for interviews. He’s very down-to-earth and approachable. So, I was so happy his entry won Best Film and two more awards. Papa’s film also received the NETPAC Award “its finely nuanced, masterfully crafted, tale of healing, friendships, and young love, effectively utilizing state-of-the-art technology that is integral to its storytelling.”
It also received a certificate from NETPAC because of Hinakdal’s “pithy, layered, and strong social commentary laced with dollops of humor.” Also, it received the nod of the audience, garnering it the Audience Choice Award, along with Rookie for the full-length. Best Director trophies go to filmmakers Ryan Espinosa Machado and Mike Cabarles. For his film Huling Palabas, director Machado has effectively summoned “the resources of art to come up with a deeply personal film that evokes fond memories of pre-digital cinema while paying homage to one’s small-town roots, and how all of this contributes to fashioning self-respect and self-identity.”