Producing a fine film that carries a strong message like Brillante Mendoza’s Mindanao is a satisfaction in itself, but winning awards is certainly welcome for Team Mindanao.
Judy Ann Santos won the Best Actress Award at the 41st Cairo International Film Festival in Egypt last November 29. This is no small feat, for it was two decades ago since another great Filipina—Ms. Nora Aunor—won the same award for The Flor Contemplacion Story. Great job, since among other things we know that in Santos’ role as Saima she was required to carry Aisa (played by Yuna Tangog) for long periods of time. It is common enough to hear comments that someone else could have played the role of Saima better, but perhaps Santos fitted the role perfectly because she has had sufficient practice being a mother and a wife herself; every touch and every soft, loving look towards Aisa and husband Malang (Allen Dizon), those small gestures of affection, even despair—all these certainly convinced the CIFF jury enough to validate her hard work.
Mindanao also bagged the Best Artistic Contribution Award, for aside from being a remarkably written and well-directed film, it also has animation which revolves around the epic tale of Rajah and Sulayman, the warrior brothers saving Mindanao from destructive dragons.
The film Mindanao is also an official entry to the 2019 Metro Manila Film Festival. Mindanao’s victory is also the Philippines’ victory. Congratulations!
One Philippines Filmmakers 