Why we should hope for more film festival runs

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A GRIPPING TALE 'Sunshine' follows the story of a cheerleader finding out about her pregnancy

The first quarter of 2025 looks promising for two homegrown films, "Kono Basho" and "Sunshine." Both were recognized internationally in two European film festivals. "Kono Basho" is the feature-length directorial debut of Jaime Pacena II, who won at the Vesoul Asian Film Festival 2025 (Prix du Jury Lycéen). 

Jaime Pacena II (middle)

“One of the best feelings was the idea that it was chosen by the youth,” says Jaime. The one-hour and 25-minute drama won the hearts of the young French audience. “I was really surprised. Importante sa akin 'yon bilang isang tatay, magulang, at titser (It was important to me as a father, parent, and teacher).”

“It was something I never expected,” adds the 2024 Cinemalaya Best Director. “I just wanted to make a film.”

"Kono Basho" follows two half-sisters attending their father’s funeral in tsunami-stricken Rikuzentakata, Japan.

Meanwhile, Film Development Council of the Philippines’ chair and CEO Jose Javier Reyes is bothered by the film industry’s low box office results. The recognition of our local films is timely. “It boosts our morale—it gives us a sense of hope,” he confesses. “We need to establish the credibility of the Philippines as a filmmaking nation. We do have Brillante Mendoza, Lav Diaz, and before them, we have Brocka, Bernal, and Marilou Diaz-Abaya, but we need a new generation of filmmakers—we just cannot depend on the so-called pillars.”

Local films have to cross the boundaries and reach an international audience. The last Berlinale award for the Philippines was 20 years ago, with Maryo J. delos Reyes’ "Magnifico" written by Michiko Yamamoto.

THE CRYSTAL BEAR This prestigous award is given to films presenting the experiences of youth

Antoinette Jadaone winning the Crystal Bear at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) for "Sunshine" was a major feat. The Crystal Bear is given to the Best Film of both the Generation Kplus and the Generation 14plus competition. Antoinette was in the airport when it was disclosed over the phone that "Sunshine" will be given an award. “Kahit maingay sa airport, parang maiyak-iyak ako (The airport was noisy and I was on the verge of crying),” says the 40-year-old award-winning director. 

“Sana nandoon ako para kunin (I hope I was there to accept the award),” adds the UP Film graduate. “Pag nanalo ka (If you win) for your film, it’s for your country.” 

In "Sunshine," a talented gymnast played by Maris Racal discovers she is pregnant while training. Will she keep or get rid of her baby? “We had intensive training for six months,” recalls Maris. The film also stars Elijah Canlas, Xyriel Manabat, Jennica Garcia, Annika Co, and Meryll Soriano. 

TEAM 'SUNSHINE' Dan Villegas, Elijah Canlas, Antoinette Jadaone, and Maris Racal

"Sunshine" is prioritizing joining film festivals abroad before it goes to a wide release in Philippine cinemas. It had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival 2024.

Though the Oscar nomination continues to feel like an impossible dream, our local films must continue to warrant attention from the international audience to see the value of our films. Competing in A-list international film festivals is also a must.

To cite examples, Walter Salles’ "I’m Still Here" was the first Brazilian film to get an Oscar for Best International Feature. Before the Oscars, it won the best screenplay at the 81st Venice International Film Festival and nabbed the audience award at the International Film Festival Rotterdam. "Anora" by Sean Baker won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival before dominating the Oscars this year. 

A film’s journey to the Oscars must be plotted from conceptualization to its distribution. If more local films get discovered in the upcoming film festivals like Cannes, Venice, and Toronto, then the impossible dream of getting an Academy Award might be reachable. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that our local films get invited to these prestigious filmfests!