W
azzup Pilipinas!?
After holding the
Film Ambassadors’ Night virtually last 2021 because of the pandemic, the
celebration finally returned as an in-person event at the newly renovated
cultural treasure, the majestic Metropolitan Theater, last Sunday, February 27.
Filmmakers, performers, artists, film workers, members of the media, and
supportive friends and family celebrated a night of cultural pride at the 6th
edition of the Film Ambassadors’ Night, hosted by the Film Development Council
of the Philippines (FDCP).
From left to right: Representatives of Feature Film
Honoree, Midnight in a Perfect World, Glaiza
de Castro, Betti Lapus, Dodo Dayao, Patti Lapus, Armi Cacanindin
The 77 new Film Ambassadors were feted on stage in
recognition of their success for connecting Filipino talents to the world in
showcasing quality and worthwhile films in the global cinema scene.
FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño welcomed guests
remarking, “It is truly incredible to be able to celebrate in hybrid and in
person for the first time in the last two years. I can’t tell you how amazing
it is to finally meet all of you personally and hear your stories of
challenges, of coping, and of creating amazing stories out of all kinds of
inspiration."
There were 25 honorees for the Short Film category, 9
for documentaries, 2 creative awards, 7 actors, 3 directors, 9 feature films,
and 2 special citations were awarded and given their well-deserved moment.
Among the
notable celebrities and distinguished names in the industry who graced the
event were Glaiza de Castro, Janine Gutierrez, Snooky Serna, Director Khavn de
la Cruz and Director Joel Lamangan.
Dito at Doon star Janine Gutierrez shared,
“Never po kasi kami naka-attend ng actual film festivals for Dito at Doon, so this is actually the
first time that there’s a physical event na mapupuntahan ko with regards sa mga
nagawa kong pelikula – sobrang excited po ako.”
In 2021, the country received 13 hard-earned spots at
A-List Festivals which are already a recognition itself. Some of the most
prestigious in the global festivals are Toronto International Film Festival, Busan International
Film Festival, Tokyo International Film Festival, Locarno Film Festival, and Venice
International Film Festival, where Filipino films won in various categories. To
give merit to these victories, Gensan
Punch by Brilante Mendoza, Whether The Weather Is Fine (Kun
Maupay Man It Panahon) by Carlo Francisco Manatad, and Mr. John Arcilla were all awarded as
A-Lister Film Ambassadors.
Mendoza and
Manatad weren’t able to be present physically but were able to send their
acceptance videos to share the stories of their big wins, while Arcilla graced
the event and received his award on stage.
The FDCP also conferred the Gabay ng Industriya Award to individuals who have made
outstanding accomplishments during their long careers, becoming respected
pillars of the Philippine film industry. Tribute videos were presented
for each of the Haligi ng Industriya and Ilaw ng Industriya Awardees which
inspired heartfelt messages from friends from the industry and beloved family.
Councilor Jana Ejercito shared his father Mr. Jesse
Ejercito’s message of thanks to the audience for his Haligi ng Industriya
Award. Ms. Rosa Rosal’s daughter, actress Toni Rose Gayda and grandnephew, news
anchor William Thio shared the stage to receive the Ilaw ng Industriya Award
for Ms. Rosal.
The highest honor granted by the FDCP for exceptional
films or individuals that blazed new trails in various fields of cinema is the
Camera Obscura Excellence Award which was bestowed on Mr. John Arcilla. His film On
the Job: The Missing 8 (OTJ) was also awarded the Camera Obscura which was
received by producer Dondon
Monteverde who also gave a few words about their OTJ journey and shared the recognition and congratulations to their
director, Erik Matti and to their world-class actors.
Monteverde said in his speech, “Mahaba talaga ang
naging journey ng project na ito. Masayang masaya kami sa mga naabot namin,
being acknowledged at prestigious festivals like Venice is already a big honor
for us. Dahil dito, we want to continue doing content like this. As I always
tell my peers: continue dreaming, never give up, dahil world-class talaga ang
mga Pilipino.”
Mr. John Arcilla was physically present to personally
receive his Camera Obscura Award which he dedicated to his family, colleagues
in the project, mentors from the industry, and those who brought him to winning
his Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the prestigious Venice Film Festival
“An actor is a mirror of everything that is happening
within and outside him. An actor’s work is a reflection of everything that
surrounds him. A film should entertain and liberate minds. Nawa po ay patuloy
tayong gumawa ng mga pelikula na lalong magpapakilala sa makulay na kultura at
kasaysayan ng Pilipinas sa mundo, upang makita nila iyong sinasabi ko na hindi
tayo naiiba sa kanila,” Arcilla said as he expressed his gratitude to the
industry.
Capping the night is FDCP Chairperson Diño’s spiel
emphasizing that the organization draws inspiration from its
filmmaker-honorees. “Thank you for the
films that form our cinematic culture. May the success of all the Film
Ambassadors in the last five years and up until today crystallize our place in
world cinema.”
This year’s Film Ambassadors’ Night highlighted the
dedication of these filmmakers for overcoming a challenging year of creating
films because of the global health issue. The theme “Beyond Limits” magnifies
that despite the restrictions that caused setbacks, these filmmakers persevered
and were still able to show the world what Philippine cinema is all about.
Actress and host, Kakki Teodoro brought
glitter to the show as the master of the ceremonies. Performances from the
Dance Royalties, Pogi Boys, and the youngest member of the Philippine Opera
Company, 13-year-old Alexa Isobel Kaufman, afforded the socially-distanced live
audience quite an entertaining evening.
This 6th Film Ambassadors’ Night was made possible
through a partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts
(NCCA). In his short video of support, NCCA Chairperson Arsenio “Nick” Lizaso
sent his warmest felicitations to the FDCP and all who contribute to the
nation’s art and culture. FDCP also partnered with
CMB Film Services for their assistance with technical facilities and crew for
the grand celebration. The event was directed by singer-songwriter and film and
event director Ice Seguerra.
The 6th Film Ambassadors’ Night will have its telecast
exclusively via the FDCP Channel on March 12, 2022, Saturday, at 8PM. Stay
tuned to the social media pages of the Film Development Council of the
Philippines for access and instructions.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
