The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Before the cameras rolled for a broadcast version of the 70th Famas Awards Night yesterday at the Metropolitan Theater, actors Charo Santos and Vince Tañada were seated on the same row of the hall as if to foreshadow their respective victories.
As it was, Charo and Vince won Best Actress for Cinematografica Productions and Quantum Films’ “Kun Maupay Man It Panahon” and Best Actor for Philstagers Films’ “Katips.”
Vince also bagged the Best Director plum for “Katips” which took home the Best Picture trophy.
Tañada even before the awarding ceremony was ecstatic and challenged at some points about the fate of his film in the contest and its screen commercial showing.
“Huy (Hey, this is FAMAS ito! The oldest and most prestigious Award Giving Body for films. And just to be nominated is truly a blessing. Sobrang hirap ang dinanas namin (We had to endure the challenges and perils so much while) shooting my very first professional and commercial film KATIPS. Kaya sobrang thankful ako na manominate man lang. Pero 17 NOMINATIONS FOR KATIPS! Grabe ka (That’s why I am so thankful I am even nominated and seventeen nominations. You’re indeed great), Lord,” exclaimed Vince in his Facebook spaces.
“We’ve got 51 SM cinemas nationwide of #KATIPSthemovie next is Robinsons and Ayala. Please pray for us,” requested Tañada.
“Tinapatan talaga kami ng isang malaking pelikula (We’re pitted against a big movie),” Vince shared expressively.
Without naming names, Tañada hinted on “Katips” same screening schedule with the much ballyhooed film “Maid in Malacanang.”
Vince in his vlog said without qualms that the showing of his film and that of the contender has political colors.
Tañada passionately said that his film isn’t a revision of history but a faithful rendition of Martial Law and its victims. “I was a victim of Martial Law. I was harassed during that time,” he divulged.
In his Famas acceptance speech, Vince was thankful for Famas for noticing their efforts to complete an entire project.
“Katips”’s Johnrey Rivas brought home the Best Supporting Actor while “Big Night”’s Janice de Belen was named Best Supporting Actress.
Jun Robles Lana won the Best Screenplay award for “Big Night” while Manuel Abanto clinched the Best Cinematography plum for “Katips.”
Other winners:
Whammy Alcazaren (“Kun Maupay Man It Panahon)”—Best Production Desig
Lawrence Fajardo (“A Hard Day”)—Best Editing
Pipo Cifra (“Katips”)—Best Musical Score
Pipo Cifra (“Katips”)—Best Original Song (“Sa Gitna ng Dulo”)
Albert Michael Idioma, Alex Tomboc, Pietro Marco Javier (“A Hard Day”)—Best Sound
Santelmo Studio (“My Amanda”)
Mark Moneda (“See You George”)—Best Short Film.