The Filipino film, “Ang Babaeng Humayo”, gets the highest recognition in the 73rd Venice International Film Festival.
Award-winning Filipino film director Lav Diaz was overwhelmed with joy after his work was recognized in the 73rd Venice International Film Festival in Italy.
The film, “Ang Babaeng Humayo” got the Golden Lion prize which is the highest recognition in the said prestigious film fest.
Direk Lav, overfilled with joy, said he dedicates the award to his country, his countrymen and their struggles and the struggle of humanity.
“This is for my country, for the Filipino people; for our struggle and the struggle of humanity”, said Diaz.
According to the 57-year-old director, Leo Tolstoy, the dubbed as “one of the greatest authors of all time”, has been his inspiration in making of the short story.
Direk Lav did not take the credit all to himself. While he was making his acceptance speech, he called the actors who are part of the film including John Lloyd Cruz and Charo Santos Concio to be recognized in the international spotlight.
The story focuses on Charo’s character. She is a teacher who is accused of killing her former lover, a crime that she did not actually do, but she served a sentence of 30 years.
A Hollywood reporter described her acting as “majestic” while Variety called it “remarkable”.
On the part of the veteran actress Santos Concio, she considers it a great honor to be a part of the project.
The revenge drama film beat 19 other entries who are starred by award-winning Hollywood stars like the “La La Land” of Ryan Gosling, “The Bad Batch” of Keanu Reeves and Jim Carrey, and “Nocturnal Animals” who are starred by Jake Gyllenhaal and Amy Adams, among others.
Philippine independent films continue to claim fame in the international stage. The recognition of “Ang Babaeng Humayo” is the third for this year in the A-list film festivals in the world with Diaz’ double win at Berlinale and the Cannes film festival for the “Ma’ Rosa” of Director Brillante Mendoza.
Direk Lav’s eight hour epic film “Hele Sa Hiwagang Hapis” was also awarded the Silver Bear Alfred Bauer prize, the highest recognition in the Berlin International Film Festival, last February.
In 2014, Diaz was hailed in an A-list International film festival for the film, “Mula sa Kung Ano ang Noon”.
The Oscar-winning filmmaker Sam Medes who is known for his work “American Beauty”, along with James Bond movies “Skyfall” and “Spectre” led the judges of the award-giving body.
