Vilma Santos bags best actress award in Dhaka

Photo: ABS-CBN

Fabulous.

This was how the Bangladesh-based newspaper Dhaka Tribune described Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos in her portrayal in the award-winning film “Ekstra,” directed by Jeffrey Jeturian.

Held in the capital city of Bangladesh from Jan. 10 to 18, the 13th Dhaka International Film Festival recognized Santos among 21 other nominees, giving her the elusive best actress award.

In an interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Santos said, “I am very happy. Apart from the prestige, it’s a great bonus for our hard work.”

Luis Manzano–in his ABS-CBN Sunday variety show “ASAP”—also expressed his joy for the recent feat of his mother, “Congratulations, mom. I love you, I’m proud of you” Luis said.

Prior to the 13th Dhaka International Film Festival, Santos already bagged the best actress award in the Directors’ Showcase section in last year’s Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.

“Ekstra,” one of the entries to 2013’s Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival, is about a struggling bit player on television soap operas.

Meanwhile, Iran dominated the festival, winning major awards, including Best Director, Best Actor and Best Children Film.

Best film was not awarded to any of the 23 entries.

Jury members included Iranian filmmaker Rasul Sadr Ameli, Liberation War Museum trustee Mofidul Haq and Busan film fest executive programmer Kim Ji-seok.