Visayan filmmaking triumphs at 8th Sinag Maynila awards night

Philippine cinema continues to evolve with milestones happening every day.

One such milestone is the celebration of the 8th Sinag Maynila Film Festival, a major annual film event currently showing in cinemas like Gateway in Cubao.

In this year’s race among six (6) feature films and a bevy of short and documentary films, a Visayan film triumphed in the main derby held Saturday night at Cinema 11.

Sunny Toys Entertainment’s “Pinikas,” a film shot in southern Leyte, about a woman who finds redemption in internet cafes and the people she navigates around, won major awards including Best Film, Best Director and Best Screenplay for Cris Fuego, Best Actor for Jade Makawili, Best Actress for Angela Villarin, Best Musical Score for Maria Luisa Calveros and Best Editing for Jay Hernando.

Villarin wasn’t around to receive her plum as she was caught in the war-torn Middle East.

Meanwhile, Philstagers Films’ “Ang Bangkay” romped away with Best Supporting Actress for Mercedes Cabral, Best Cinematography for Manuel “Andoy” Abanto, Best Production Design for Cyrus Khan and the People’s Choice Award.

LDG Productions’ “Desperada” took home the Best Supporting Actor Award for Yasser Marta.

RR Entertainment Productions’ “Sweet Escape” brought home the Best Sound honors for Alex Tomboc.  (Boy Villasanta)