PH Films Bag Awards at Porto Int’l Film Festival in Portugal

The International Jury of the 39th Porto International Film Festival presented various awards to three Philippine films at the Fantasporto 2019 in the city of Porto on March 2, 2019.

The Philippine drama film entry “Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon” (Waiting for Sunset), directed by Carlo Catu, won the Director’s Week Special Jury Award as well as the Best Actor award to Dante Rivero for his portrayal as Benedicto for the same film about love, companionship and forgiveness.

Director Louie Ignacio’s entry “School Service,” which presents a film about a young girl taken against her will from the province and placed as a beggar in Manila by a small-time syndicate, won the Orient Express Special Jury prize, with Ai Ai delas Alas winning Best Actress in the Director’s Week Category for the same film.

Meanwhile, James Mayo’s “Kuya Wes” received a nomination in the Orient Express category at the film festival, while Ina Raymundo, who played Erika in the film, won Best Actress in the Director’s Week Category. The film starring Ogie Alcasid portrays a timid remittance clerk who falls for his customer in need, Erika.

During the film festival, Ambassador to Portugal Celia Anna M. Feria hosted a reception in honor of the Philippine delegation participating in the film festival including Messrs. Alcasid, Ignacio and Mayo.

The reception was attended by the film festival organization, jury members and special guests as well as members of the Filipino community in Porto.

The annual Fantasporto is considered one of the leading film festivals of the world, which features a diverse range of films from various countries around the world. The festival ran from February 22 to March 2, 2019. (DFA)