Himala is CNN best film of all time in Asia-Pacific

MANILA, Philippines - The 1982 Filipino movie about a girl who claims to have been chosen by the Virgin Mary as the messenger of good faith in a backward town was hailed by CNN as the Best Asia-Pacific Film of all Time. “Himala," the late Ishmael Bernal’s masterpiece that starred Nora Aunor was announced as the best film in the region on Tuesday (US time) during the 2008 Asia Pacific Screen Awards held in Australia's Gold Coast. An early favorite in the online voting, Himala bested tough competitors, namely Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon from China; The Seven Samurai from Japan; Gabbeh from Iran; Gallipoli from Australia; Pather Panchali from India; Spirited Away from Japan; Oldboy from South Korea; Infernal Affairs from Hong Kong/China; and Chungking Express from China. As early as September, CNN said the film received “an avalanche of raving positivity" from thousands of online voters all over the globe. Asia Pacific Screen Awards chairman Des Power praised the Asia-Pacific region for becoming an “emerging giant of cinema." “The quality and depth of story-telling amazed not only our jury this year but is certain to attract more audience at the global level. There is a growing fascination and respect for films from this diverse region," he said in statement. - GMANews.TV