Entertainment
‘Birdshot’ chosen as PH entry for 2018 Academy Awards
‘Birdshot’ is a 2016 Philippine thriller film directed by Mikhail Red, produced by Pamela L. Reyes, and was co-produced by PelikulaRED, Tuko Film Productions, and Buchi Boy Productions. (Photo: Birdshot/Facebook)
A film directed by the 24-year-old filmmaker Mikhail Red was selected by the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) as the country’s official entry to the Best Foreign Language category in the 90th Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars.
The good news was confirmed on the film’s official Facebook page on Tuesday.
In a release from TBA Productions, the 24-year-old filmmaker said “What a spectacular turn of events for Birdshot! I’m thankful to FAP for giving us the opportunity to represent our country as well as our Birdshot family, for being patient and determined while creating a substantial and well-crafted film.”
Red also has also extended his gratitude to his co-producers, and the independent film company behind acclaimed movies TBA Studios for trusting his vision for the film.
“I hope TBA Studios continues to encourage young storytellers to create uncompromising films. May they continue to pave the way to a bright future for Philippine Cinema,” he added.
On the other hand, TBA Studios’ executive producers Fernando Ortigas and E.A Rocha are just as electrified with the news.
“We are so honored that Birdshot has been given this distinction. Like Mikhail, we can’t wait to embark on this new journey for this amazing film,” said Ortigas and Rocha.
‘Birdshot’ is a 2016 Philippine thriller film directed by Mikhail Red, produced by Pamela L. Reyes, and was co-produced by PelikulaRED, Tuko Film Productions, and Buchi Boy Productions.
The story features a 15-year-old Maya, who works with her father on an isolated farm in the Philippines. While venturing deep into the mountains, she spots an endangered Philippine Eagle, a protected national symbol, in the forest. Maya shoots and kills the bird. Unaware of her crime, she brings the carcass home, hoping to prove herself to her father. Soon after, authorities start a manhunt to find the eagle killer. During the investigation, the inept local police stumble upon another disturbing case involving an abandoned passenger bus in the middle of nowhere. Meanwhile, Maya’s father is arrested, and Maya eludes the police by hiding in the forest. She hears the call of an eagle, she follows the sound, which leads her to a grim discovery.
The film stars actors John Arcilla, Mary Joy Apostol, Arnold Reyes, and Ku Aquino. Birdshot bagged the Best Asian Future Film Award at the Tokyo International Film Festival in 2016 and Critics’ Choice Award at the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino in August 2017.
The movie was released commercially in the country as part of the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino.
Following the highly-anticipated historical epic film Heneral Luna as the country’s bet for the 88th Academy, Awards, Birdshot is the second film from TBA Studios to have been given this prominence.
The 90th Academy Awards will be held in California on March 2018.
