The first-ever Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino wrapped up a hugely successful run with a thanksgiving night, held on August 20 at Whitespace Manila. The festival, spearheaded by the Film Development Council of the Philippines, ran officially from August 16 to 22 and enjoyed blockbuster levels of success at the box office, grossing Php 127 million during its 6-day run.
Filipiniana Rock was the theme of the night, with guests donned in stylized barong and filipiniana dresses, the best in Pinoy food laden around the venue. Guests enjoyed the live music of various OPM bands and artists, such as Callalily, Aiza Seguera, Kalayo, Ebe Dancel, and many more. The event was graced by the directors, cast, and crew of the PPP films, including actors Iza Calzado, Mailes Kanapi, Ryza Cenon and Martin del Rosario, director Erik Matti, and screenwriter Ricky Lee.
Although the committee noted that an overall Best Picture award was unnecessary given that all the films embodied the spirit of the festival, several special awards were given to notable works.
In the short film category, “Ang Kapitbahay Ko Sa 2014” by Anya Zulueta and “Fat You” were awarded the Amazing By Choice Award. The Jury’s Choice Award was given to both “Pahimakas” by Lance Maravillas and “Delayed Si Jhemerlyn Rose” by Don Senoc. “Ang Unang Araw ng Pasukan” by Ar-Jen Manlapig was awarded Sine Kabataan Best Picture.
Three full-length feature films took home the big awards of the night. “Birdshot” by Mikhail Red bagged the Critics’ Choice Award, praised for its bravery. The Audience Choice Award went to “100 Tula Para Kay Stella” by Jason Paul Laxamana, and Victor Villanueva’s “Patay Na Si Hesus” took home the Jury’s Choice Award.
Despite the success, FDCP CEO Liza Diño encouraged filmmakers toward continuous learning and an understanding of different perspectives. With the go signal for PPP 2018, she urged filmmakers to continue producing films that could reach out to the Filipino audience, an audience that she believes deserves well-made, quality films.
“The audiences are there. You just have to give them the opportunity to see these films.” – Liza Diño
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