Filipino documentary “Aswang” bagged the International Critic’s Prize (Fipresci) at the 2019 International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA).
The Philippines’ documentary, directed by Alyx Arumpac and produced by Armi Rae Cacanindin of Cinematografica with the support of producers from France, Norway, Qatar, and Germany, was awarded the International Federation of Film Critics prize during the IDFA First Appearance Competition on November 28.
The FIPRESCI Award Jury citation for Aswang noted the film’s effective use of folk legends in depicting harsh realities.
“It is a film that tells us something that has to be said. A courageous statement of current politics and the power of media.
“But in the same time, it is a very human story, imbued with the subtle presence of folk legends.
“It is conveyed in a subjective form, creating a haunting visual and soundscape that evokes a broad spectrum of emotional reactions.
“The aesthetic choices stress the complexity of the story, creating a gripping cinematic experience.”
Aswang was screened to full house venues during the 2019 IDFA held from November 20 to December 1 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Aswang received the FIPRESCI Award that came with a cash prize of € 5.000.
Documentary films about the Philippines and Filipinos have been earning international recognition, among them, the Reel Time story of young teacher Dagul that bagged a Gold at the Cannes, the GMA Network documentaries by Atom Araullo and The Reporter’s Notebook team that won the International Broadcasting Media Awards in London.
More recently, Fil-Am Jhett Tolentino’s biographical documentary “Life Is What You Make It”, that tells the story of his journey from the slums of Iloilo to being a celebrated Broadway producer, won its 10th award in Belarus.
SEND congratulations in the comments below to Alyx Arumpac and the team of Aswang for winning at the 2019 IDFA!
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