Independent Filipino filmmaker clinches victory at Dreamanila film festival awards
Fresh Take:
Embrace the chills as a Filipino indie auteur, Francis Gacer, triumphs at the 5th Dreamanila International Film Festival with his spine-tingling masterpiece, Mona. This movie, a poignant exploration of contemporary social struggles, captivated the hearts of viewers and the jury, earning the special jury award.
Gacer, a four-time award-winning filmmaker, expressed his jubilation, stating, "Winning awards from my homeland seals my filmmaking mission. International recognition is exhilarating, yet there's no joy like being hailed here."
The jury applauded Gacer's direction, calling the film a mesmerizing amalgamation of horror and drama that showcases the director's knack for genre innovation. The compelling performances brought depth to a heart-wrenching saga of survival, self-sacrifice, and secret exposés.
Established in 2019, Kikoman Films, Gacer's production house, has amassed over 100 accolades. Among these prestigious awards are the Best Narrative Short Film at Cannes Arts Fest and numerous others from international film competitions in various countries.
Storyline Unraveled
Starring as Mona and Lumeng, ruthless mother-daughter shape shifters, are Anne Del Rosario and Soy Churchill Soriano, both OFWs working in the United Arab Emirates. Supporting roles are played by Marcus Andrei Carranza, a student and lead vocalist, and Lucy Manalang, a burgeoning singer.
Set against the backdrop of the peasant countryside, this tale unfolds a peculiar friendship spun since childhood. When tragedy strikes, each woman responds differently—one plunges into unlawful pursuits, while the other stays steadfast in hard work. The narrative takes a dramatic turn that viewers won’t soon forget.
Second DIFF Honor
Mona isn't Gacer's first DIFF triumph. Previously, his film Panahon ng Ligalig (Troubled Times), set in the mid-70s amid the Vietnam War, garnered two awards and a screenplay special mention in 2021. This film, featuring two Vietnamese refugees, underwent an arduous journey of faith and forced repatriation.
Launched in 2018, the DIFF serves as a platform for both seasoned and budding filmmakers to exhibit their work on the global stage. Renowned industry professionals judge entries and pick winners annually. This year's festivities took place from November 30 to December 2. Other victors hailed from the US, Japan, and China.
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Entertainment and movies-and-tv industries witnessed a significant triumph at the 5th Dreamanila International Film Festival, with Francis Gacer's film, Mona, capturing the special jury award. This masterpiece, a heart-wrenching exploration with elements of horror and drama, showcases the director's knack for genre innovation, embodying the spirit of fearless storytelling.
