Myra Aquino's inspired biopic of a beauty queen turned soldier "Beauty Queen" was named as the Best Film at the 17th Cinemalaya Film Festival virtual awards ceremony, while "An Sadit Na Planeta" bagged most awards, including Audience Choice, Special Jury Prize, and NetPac Jury Award.
The awarding ceremony was held on Thursday, August 19 via Zoom and Facebook Live.
Meanwhile, Kyle Nieva’s Kids on Fire, about a young boy who discovers the power of his sexuality during a religious camp, won Best Direction and Best Screenplay.
In an interview, the director of "An Sadit Na Planeta" Arjanmar H. Rebeta said this is his first official entry in the competition despite submitting entries at the Cinemalaya for three years.
Nieva, on the other hand, said he would continuously make shorts for now and will only venture into making full-length features once he is ready.
Set in Pampanga during World War II, Myra Aquino's "Beauty Queen" tells the true story of Remedios Gomez also known as Kumander Liwayway who was a young beauty queen whose father was killed.
She joined the resistance army and rose in the ranks to eventually become a commander.
The 13 short films for the 17th Cinemalaya continue their run until September 5.
