PH Indie Films Make It Big In 2016

The year 2016 was a big and momentous year for Philippine independent films, also known as indie films.  Several Filipino indie films won awards at several prestigious international film festivals including the Berlinale in Berlin, the Cannes Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival.

Indie Films Receive International Recognition

According to an article in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, the country has received international recognition in the three major film festivals, something that other countries have not even done.

At the 66^th edition of the Berlinale, Lav Diaz’s “Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis” (A Lullaby To The Sorrowful Mystery) received the Silver Bear Alfred Bauer Prize in February 2016. The 485-minute film was among those who competed for the Golden Bear, the highest award at the festival. The Silver Bear award however recognizes films that “open new perspectives on cinematic art.”

During the 69^th Cannes Film Festival in May, Brillante Mendoza’s “Ma’ Rosa” also received the best actress citation for Jaclyn Jose, who portrayed the lead female role in the film about the struggles of an urban poor family.

Later in the year, in September, another indie film by Lav Diaz, “Ang Babaeng Humayo” (The Woman Who Left) won the highest prize of the Venice Film Festival, the Golden Lion. The Venice Film Festival is among the oldest film festivals in the world.

More Regional Awards

Aside from the big festivals, Filipino indie films also garnered recognition in regional and local film festivals. At the Busan International Film Festival in Korea, Sheron Dayoc’s documentary film “Crescent Rising” won the Mecenat Award, the highest award for wide angle documentary films.

“Die Beautiful” which starred Paolo Ballesteros also won big at the Tokyo International Film Festival. It received the Audience Choice award and the best actor award for Ballesteros. Another indie film, “Birdshot” by Mikhail Red was also declared best film for the Asian Future section.

Indie Films @ the Metro Manila Film Festival 2016

Another milestone for independent films this year is their dominance in the Metro Manila Film Festival. Instead of having big name and commercially viable movies, the organizing committee of this year’s festival decided to choose all independent films..