EVEN with most of the international actors missing, the World Premieres Film Festival (WPFF) 2016 Awards Night was still a night to remember.
During the opening of the festival, Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Chairman Briccio Santos said that movies play an important role in people’s lives.
“Celebrating cinema is a calling we must heed. There exists a need to make the world a better place, especially in these times when cultural engagement is needed now more than ever to unite our political differences,” Santos said.
He added: “As long as there is a need for the world to bridge its divisions and differences, a need for us to encourage creativity and compassion, and a need for us to appreciate global cultural diversity, we will never cease to honor films and the impact that film talents bring to viewing audiences.”
Leading the list of winners during the awards night was the Australia-Philippines-produced film Beast, directed by Tom and Sam McKeith. It received the Asean Skies Prize for Best Picture.
The French film The Storm Inside, directed by Fabrice Camoin, won the Intercontinental Prize for Best Film, as well as the Best Actress for Marina Foïs.
The Vietnamese film Yen’s Life, directed by Dinh Tuan Vu, received the Grand Festival Prize, while the Philippine-produced film Daughters of the Three Tailed Banner, directed by Gutierrez “Teng” Mangansakan II, received the Grand Jury Prize.
In the Filipino New Cinema section, Edsa by Alvin B. Yapan won Best Picture First Place, while Ringgo: The Dogshooter, directed by Rahyan Carlos, took Best Picture Second Place.
During the awards ceremony, the FDCP showed glimpses of festival activities, including the opening night, gala premieres and parallel events, including the International Film Expo and the International Film Conference at the Cinematheque.
Performances for the night were provided by world-renowned violinist John Lesaca and Philippine world music proponent Makiling
WPFF 2016, which ends on Sunday, showcases over 60 international films at the Cinematheque Centre Manila, along with partner venues SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, Greenbelt 3, Shang Cineplex and Uptown Cinemas.
Image credits: Roy Domingo