The movie “Ilo Ilo” is Singapore’s official entry to the upcoming 86th Academy Awards after it was selected by the Singapore Film Commission (SFC) as the country’s official entry in the 2014 Oscar’s Best Foreign Language Film Category.
“Ilo Ilo” is a movie that centers on an Iloilo-born domestic helper in Singapore and directed by filmaker Anthony Chen. According to Singapore news outfit, The Street Times, the movie was chosen “for its excellence in execution and performance, accentuated by a though-provoking storyline,” quoting SFC head Yeo Chun Cheng.
Singapore’s entry to Oscars 2014, Ilo Ilo is inspired by the real-life relationship of Chen and his Filipina nanny, Teresita Sajonia. Filipina actress Angeli Bayani portrayed the role of Teresita Sajonia or “Auntie Terry.”
Aside from Angeli Bayani, the movie “Ilo Ilo” also features Singapore’s Yeo Yann Yann, Chen Tianwen, and newcomer Koh Jia Ler. The movie kicked off its commercial run in Singapore early this month.
The film “Ilo Ilo” was awarded as the winner of the Camera d’Or at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival, the first time a Singaporean feature won the coveted award.
The 86th Academy Awards will feature three submission that chronicles stories of Filipinos to the world’s most prestigious Oscar Awards. Aside from the movie “Ilo Ilo,” Hannah Espia’s “Transit,” is the Philippines entry while Sean Ellis’ “Metro Manila,” is the UK’s official entry to Oscars 2014.
Watch the trailer of “Ilo Ilo” below: