Indie film ‘Donor’ bags awards in Brussels

An independent Filipino film has received two awards at the 37th Brussels International Independent Film Festival (BIIFF), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said this weekend. The Philippines was represented by actors Marvin Agustin and Meryll Soriano, the DFA said, citing reports from the Philippine Embassy in Belgium. “Mr. Agustin served on the international panel of judges, the first Filipino actor to do so. Ms. Soriano won the Best Actress award for the film ‘Donor,’ which was also named Best Film of the Festival," the DFA said. Filipino director Brillante Mendoza was also given the “Visionary Award 2010" to honor his innovative and outstanding contribution to the film industry. The 37th Brussels International Independent Film Festival was held on Nov. 2-7. On Nov. 5, Philippine Ambassador Enrique Manalo hosted a reception at the embassy in honor of the Filipino talents participating in the festival. In his speech, Manalo said the goals of promoting independent films are “indeed laudable." Manalo also acknowledged Brussels International Independent Film Festival director Robert Malengreau for his significant contribution in promoting Asian — particularly Philippine — films in Europe. Malengreau has been a staunch supporter of Philippine cinema over the years and has made sure that the country is always represented at the festival, the DFA said. “Donor" portrays Lizette (Soriano), a woman who sells pirated DVDs. In her desire to work abroad, she decides to sell her kidney to a wealthy Arabian patient for P100,000. When a law is announced banning organ transplants between Filipinos and foreigners, Lizette agrees to marry the Arab, a man she has never met, for the surgery to push through. The movie is directed by two-time Palanca Literary awardee Mark Meily. Another feature film from the Philippines, which did not take part in the competition, was Joel Lamangan’s period film “Sigwa." The film tackles the intertwining lives of activists in the First Quarter Storm of 1970 during the dictatorship of former President Ferdinand Marcos. Its a star-studded cast includes Dawn Zulueta, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Gina Alajar, Tirso Cruz III, Marvin Agustin, Pauleen Luna, Lovi Poe, Megan Young, Allen Dizon, Jay Aquitania, and Jim Pebangco. Egypt, Mexico, Lebanon, Indonesia, Tunisia, Morocco, and New Zealand also took part in the 37th BIIFF’s international competition category — JE/VS, GMANews.TV