THE
International Women’s Film Festival, with the
theme “Women Refigured: Making Choices, Creating
Changes, Crossing Boundaries,” held from
March 5 to 8, honored three Filipino women in film.
The Diwata Awards, an annual recognition given by the University of the Philippines
Film Institute, were awarded to filmmakers Lupita Aquino Kashiwahara, Laurice
Guillen, and Marilou Diaz-Abaya.
Kashiwahara is known as the
director of the 1976 classic,
Minsa’y Isang
Gamu-Gamo, which tackles themes of oppression brought about by the country’s
colonized Making Choices, Creating Changes, Crossing Boundaries,” held
from March 5 to 8, honored three Filipino women in film.
The Diwata Awards, an annual recognition given by the University of the Philippines
Film Institute, were awarded to filmmakers Lupita Aquino Kashiwahara, Laurice
Guillen, and Marilou Diaz-Abaya.
Kashiwahara is known as the
director of the 1976 classic,
Minsa’y Isang
Gamu-Gamo, which tackles themes of oppression brought about by the country’s
colonized state. Though she is now known as a political image consultant, most
notably for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, her films such as Alkitrang
Dugo (1975), Hati Tayo sa Magdamag (1980), and Babae (1997) made a mark in
telling
stories about women in Philippine cinema.
Though Guillen was once better
known as an actress than as
a director, the reverse is
now true. She has become one
of the country’s most
recognized filmmakers, known
for delineating the plight
of different women. Her film
about a seductress,
Salome (1981), is regarded as one of the best films in Philippine cinema. Award-winners
such as Tanging Yaman office hits, demonstrating the quality and mass appeal
of her work.
Diaz-Abaya herself boasts of a long list of award-winning films. But it is her
movies about women such as Brutal (1980), Moral (1983), and Karnal (1983) that
put her on the same plane as film originals like Lino Broka and Ishmael Bernal. |
The
International Women’s Film Festival also honored
new filmmakers via the Women’s International
Short Film and Video Competition. Already on its
second year, the contest attracted a total of 38
films from Australia, China, Singapore, and the Philippines.
First Prize went to China’s North World by
Chen Beini. Australia’s Filled with Water by
Elka Kerkshof won second prize, while the Philippines’ Saling
Pusa by Antoinette Jadaone took the third prize.
Honorable Mentions went to the Philippines’ Alagwa
by Pia Augusta Agatep and Precious Ann Tayag; and
Sakdal Laya by Tey Clamor. |
