LIST: 'Ma' Rosa,' 'Hele,' 'Dukot,' among films shortlisted to represent Philippines in Oscars 2017
MANILA, Philippines — Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) has revealed nine films that are shortlisted to represent the Philippines in the best foreign language film category at the Oscars 2017.
The list was announced by the FAP on their website:
- Felix Manalo, directed by Joel Lamangan, produced by Viva Films and starring Dennis Trillo and Bella Padilla
- Anino sa Likod ng Buwan (Shadow Behind the Moon), directed by Jun Lana, produced by Octobertrain Films/IdealFirst Company, and starring LJ Reyes, Luis Alandy and Anthony Falcon
- Honor Thy Father, directed by Erik Matti, produced by Reality Entertainment, and starring John Lloyd Cruz, Meryll Soriano and Tirso Cruz III
- Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis (A Lullaby to the Sorrowful Mystery), directed by Lav Diaz, produced by Ten17 Productions, Epicmedia, Sine Olivia Philippines and Potocol Akanga Film Productions, and starring John Lloyd Cruz and Piolo Pascual
- Ma' Rosa, Directed by Brillante Mendoza, produced by Centerstage Productions and starring Jaclyn Jose
- Dukot, directed by Paul Soriano, produced by Ten17Productions and Star Cinema Productions, and starring Enrique Gil, Ricky Davao, Shaina Magdayao and Christopher de Leon
- Pamilya Ordinaryo, directed by Eduardo Roy Jr., produced by Cinemalaya and starring Ronwaldo Martin, Hasmine Killip and Maria Isabel Lopez
- Ang Hapis at Himagsik ni Hermano Puli (The Agony and Fury of Hermano Puli), directed by Gil Portes, produced by Cinemalaya and starring Aljur Arbrenica
- Tuos (the Pact), directed by Roderick Cabrido, produced by Cinemalaya and starring Nora Aunor and Barbie Forteza
Four of the aforementioned movies have already earned awards from other international film festivals.
FAP is accredited by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). The special committee which is headed by Director Edgardo "Boy" Vinarao will meet on Sept. 14 for initial deliberation.
Last year, Jerrold Tarog's "Heneral Luna" represented the Philippines in the annual American awards. Despite its box-office success in the Philippines, however, the historical biopic failed to be included among the top choices of the Academy Awards.
