‘[W]e remain hopeful that we can continue to craft meaningful stories — Sheron Dayoc’
By GAY ACE DOMINGO
Coming-of-age Filipino film “The Gospel of the Beast” won Best Feature at the first Ho Chi Minh International Film Festival (HIFF) held from April 6 to 13, 2024. The award came as a surprise to director Sheron Dayoc, who told Malaya Business Insight, “Before they (organizers) announce the winner, they say it… naka Vietnamese. Nalaman ko na lang I won when the host announced the title of the film and nag-flash ‘yung poster sa stage.”
“The Gospel of the Beast” tells the story a teenage boy (played by Jansen Magpusao, Cinemalaya Best Actor for “John Denver Trending”) who runs away after accidentally killing a classmate, and finds a father-figure in a man (Ronnie Lazaro) involved in a criminal syndicate. It is inspired by real-life events.
Sheron’s latest full-length film bested at least 10 other films. On its Facebook page, the HIFF described the award as “a testament to the excellence of Southeast Asian filmmakers and their contributions to global cinema.”
Liza Diño, former Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) chairperson, was very proud of director Sheron and his co-producers Sonny Calvento and Arden Rod Condez of Southern Lantern Studios. “The Gospel of the Beast” was one of the projects Liza shepherded during her time at FDCP. On Facebook, she wrote of how the partnership between the government agency and filmmakers can lead to the creation of compelling films. Liza said, “(It) was supported by the Film Philippines International Coproduction Fund during my time in FDCP as head of the agency… I am humbled to have witnessed the fruition of this feature project from its development way back in 2018 when we discussed it during an ASEAN event in KL, Malaysia hanggang sa pagbuo ng pelikula in 2022. Super well deserved win.”
“The Gospel of the Beast” was completed in 2023, and in the same year, premiered at the Tokyo International Film Festival where it earned good reviews, including one from The Hollywood Reporter). Ever since Sheron made his major debut in 2010 at Cinemalaya, where his first feature “Halaw” won Best Film in the New Breed category, he has always been partial to depicting regional social dramas in both gripping and heartwarming ways.
“Halaw” was about human trafficking; his next feature, “Women of the Weeping River” (2016) is about family feuds in Southern Philippines. Sheron’s 2015 documentary, “The Crescent Rising,” meanwhile, explores the lives of those caught in the crossfire of war in Mindanao.
Now in his 40s, the Zamboanga-born filmmaker admits it has become more difficult to make the movies. The victory in Ho Chi Minh is important and special because it gives motivation. Sheron said, “This recognition serves as a personal reminder to continually challenge oneself and seek knowledge amid the film industry’s challenges.” Similarly, Sheron encouraged fellow filmmakers to carry on with their mission. “Ultimately, despite the industry facing its most challenging times, we remain hopeful that we can continue to craft meaningful stories, cultivating a culture that advocates for a more compassionate society.”
