The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) announced Friday, Sept. 29, that the animated film “Iti Mapukpukaw” written and directed by Carl Joseph E. Papa was picked as the Philippine’s official entry to the 96th Academy Awards under the Best International Feature Film Category.

“To support its campaign for the prestigious Oscars, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) will be giving PHP1,000,000 through its Oscars Assistance Program to Dir. Papa and his team,” FDCP said.

“Iti Mapukpukaw” (The Missing), starring Dolly De Leon, Carlo Aquino, and Gio Gahol, is a Filipino-Ilocano rotoscope animated film that follows the story of Eric who is literally missing a mouth as he delves into his past after the sudden arrival of aliens and the news of his uncle’s passing.

The film recently won Cinemalaya 2023’s Best Film with Dolly De Leon bagging the Best Supporting Actress Award.