"Uy, Philippines! Wooo"
Filipino films, “Sunshine” and “Iti Mapukpukaw” are nominated at the 17th Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA), the organization announced on Wednesday, October 16.
Sunshine
“Sunshine” is nominated for the Best Youth Film category and features Maris Racal as the main protagonist. The film is directed by Antoinette Jadone who depicts the troubled life of a young gymnast who finds out about her pregnancy just before national team tryouts.
In an Instagram post by the film's production house, Project 8 Projects, expressed their excitement for the nomination.
“SUNSHINE is nominated for Best Youth Film at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards, the region’s highest accolade in film! 🤸♀️,” they captioned their post.
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Under Jadone's direction, Sunshine seeks to answer questions on chasing one's dream and the conservative religious culture within the country.
Iti Mapukpukaw
The Missing or Iti Mapukpukaw is an animated film directed by Carl Joseph Papa. In 2023, the film bagged the Best Film award for Cinemalaya, starring Carlo Aquino and Dolly de Leon.
Now, it is nominated for the Best Animated Film category.
“Iti Mapukpukaw is a Filipino-Ilocano rotoscope animated film that follows Eric’s life as it twists and turns after the arrival of the familiar alien, and the death of his uncle; both of which triggers Eric to remember his past and untangle his memories,” the Cinemalaya website indicated.
The awarding ceremony for the 17th Asia Pacific Screen Awards will be held at the Gold Coast, Australia on November 30, following the Asia Pacific Screen Forum.
“Sunshine” recently premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) with three sold out screenings.
Meanwhile, “Iti Mapukpukaw” was selected as the Philippines’ entry for Best International Feature FIlm at the Oscars, but did not make the shortlist.
