Pinoy filmmakers, actors vying for awards at AIFFA 2023: 'We come as one'

(From left): Christian Paolo Lat, Louie Ignacio, Rain Yamson II, Tommy Alejandrino, Vince Tañada and Johnrey Rivas

The Philippine representatives who attended the press conference tendered in Manila for the ASEAN International Film Festival and Awards 2023 (AIFFA) were one in saying they are nervous, excited but ultimately honored to represent their country at the prestigious event.

In an interview, directors Rain Yamson II of the movie "Angkas," Louie Ignacio ("Broken Blooms"), Vince Tañada ("Katips") and Christian Paolo Lat ("Ginhawa") appeared exhilarated over the prospect of attending AIFFA in Kuching, Sarawak from Aug. 2 to 4.

"We come as one (to AIFFA)," Yamson said. "If one of us wins, it's a win for our country. It's a nice experience that when a winner is called, you just don't hear the name of the person but of his country at the end of the announcement. Because of that, when people identify any one of us as coming from the Philippines, para ka nang nanalo."

For young filmmaker Lat, just to be among veteran filmmakers from the Philippines and other parts of ASEAN already makes him feel like a winner.

"It's an overwhelming feeling," he said. "I look forward to experiencing AIFFA."

Tañada, who lived in Sarawak as an exchange student a few years ago, said: "It will be like a homecoming for me and I'm excited to be back more than anything."

Ignacio said that winning an AIFFA trophy or two won't be bad at all. Recall that he won the Best Director plum at AIFFA 2017 for the movie "Area."

"I remember sitting at the back when my name was called," he said. "It was shocking, a humbling experience too considering there were so many great talents in attendance. It's an unforgettable moment."

Also at the press conference were actors Johnrey Rivas ("Katips") and Tommy Alejandrino ("The Baseball Player").

The other Filipino films that made it to AIFFA 2023 out of the 26 films submitted from the Philippines this year are: "Walker" by Joel Lamangan, "Latay (Battered Husband)" by Ralston Jover, "Kargo" by T.M. Malones, as well as "Sitio Diablo" and "Kaluskos" both by Roman Perez, Jr.

Livan Tajang (uppermost right) and Muhammad Nur Ismail in an interview with Philippine media 

AIFFA Festival Director Livan Tajang revealed in an interview with Philippine media streamed online straight from Sarawak, "The Philippines has the highest number of shortlisted entries at AIFFA this year. Everyone is looking forward to seeing if the Philippines will bring home the most trophies. There is a good lineup and it's all systems go for sure."

Muhammad Nur Ismail of AIFFA pointed out that AIFFA has always been a platform where the attendees benefitted from the international setup wherein people get to network with colleagues and potential business partners from other countries.

We asked Tajang to give more details on what they look for in films that qualify it for AIFFA.

"(As example), the ASEAN Spirit Awards go to films that reflect ASEAN culture or issues or history..."

A total of 120 entries have been received for the top awards that include Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, ASEAN Inspiration Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, ASEAN Spirit Award, Best Director, Special Jury Award and so many others. The entries were shortlisted by jurors that include Ihsan Nurullah Kabil of Turkey, Viva Westi of Indonesia, Pham Thi Hong Anh of Vietnam and Effendi Mazlan of Malaysia and led by Malaysian film maker and producer U-Wei Shaari after three stages of judging.

Screenings of the shortlisted films will be held at the Old Court House Auditorium, and there will be AIFFA 2023 exhibition booths from SMEs, FINAS and other film associations and partners as well. The names of the winners of the various awards will be announced and presented during the AIFFA 2023 Gala night on Aug. 4 at Pullman Hotel.

South Korean actor Jung Ji-Hoon better known as Rain will make an appearance at AIFFA. In the past, the likes of Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh, Steven Seagall and Donnie Yen had walked the AIFFA red carpet.

A biennial event, the AIFFA is on its sixth edition. In line with Sarawak's high-tech evolution in the digital age the focus of AIFFA 2023 will be ASEAN's exponential development towards embracing technology in the film industry.