FELLOW filmmakers and award winners graced the recent star-studded premiere of Brillante Mendoza’s “Mindanao” at The Podium Director’s Club Cinema recently.
Spotted at the premiere were the award-winning filmmaker with “Mindanao” lead actress Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo, who was just adjudged Cairo International Film Festival best actress for her work in the film, and her co-star, Allen Dizon.
No less than National Artist for Film Kidlat Tahimik, along with Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin Hataman, and Solar Entertainment CEO Wilson Tieng graced the event.
Megastar Sharon Cuneta was also there to give support to her good friend Judy Ann and the film.
Mendoza’s colleagues in the film industry, directors Chito Roño, Laurice Guillen, Joyce Bernal, Lawrence Fajardo, Daniel Palacio, Jason Paul Laxamana, Jim Libiran, Ronald Carballo, Ralston Jover, Zig Dulay and Rica Arevallo, were also present.
Cannes Best Actress 2016 Jacyln Jose, who starred in Mendoza’s internationally acclaimed “Ma Rosa,” was there along with actors Gina Alajar, Ricky Davao, Richard Kuan, Ina Feleo, Agot Isidro, Kathleen Hermosa, Kiko Matos, Vance Larena, Zanjoe Marudo, Sue Prado, Chanda Romero, Jerry O’hara, Pewee O’hara, Harleen Bautista, and Joel Saracho.
“Mindanao” follows the story of Saima (Santos-Agoncillo) and how she spends the final days of her sickly daughter Aisa (Yuna Tangog) at the House of Hope in Davao City while waiting for her husband Malang (Allen Dizon), a combat medic, to come home from an offensive operation in the province of Maguindanao.
Saima retells the epic tale of Rajah and Sulayman to Aisa — the story of two warrior brothers who fight against the dragons, Ginto and Pula. The crayon images of the tale interweave the battle realms of Malang and of Aisa.
This is the first film Mendoza to feature animation, “I envisioned the epic tale to be in animated images,” he says. “We took time in the development of the animation, and I am happy with the rendition of the animators, truly we can be proud of their craft and talent, and I may say this film is also a tribute to the animation artists of our country. “
One of the highlights of the event was the awarding of trophies for the Best Artistic Contribution Award for Mendoza and Best Actress Award for Judy Ann Santos from the recent 41st Cairo International Film Festival held in Egypt. The Cairo International Film Festival is the oldest and only internationally accredited film festival in the Arab World, Africa and the Middle East.
Directed by Brillante Mendoza and written by Honee Alipio, “Mindanao” is one of the feature films in competition at the 45th Metro Manila Film Festival 2019, which starts showing in SM Cinemas starting December 25.
Aside from Cairo, “Mindanao” also had a world premiere in Busan, Tokyo, and also competed in Kolkata. “Mindanao” is also officially selected for Taipei Golden Horse Festival, as well as the International Film Festival in Beijing.
“Mindanao” will participate in The Parade of Stars on Dec. 22 in Taguig and the Gabi ng Parangal of the 45th Metro Manila Film Festival 2019 on Dec. 27.
