PH bags 11 awards at the Manhattan Film Fest

“To God be the Glory and Maraming Salamat Po!” (Photo: Mike Miguel Magat/Facebook)

It was a memorable night for the Filipinos present at the International Film Festival Manhattan (IFFM) 2018 as a total of 11 filmmakers, actors, and movies were awarded during the event. IFFM lasted for five days from October 17 till October 21 and the awards night was held at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center in New York on October 18. This is the eighth edition of the IFFM, this year, the festival is sponsored by LumoXchange and Philippine Airlines.

Among the star-studded red carpet included actress Harlene Bautista, directors Dexter Macaraeg, Mike Magat, Mark Sicat De la Cruz, and Arvin Belarmino, producers Kate Brios, Froilan Sales, Dan Masinsin, and Patsy Ferrer, Philippine Center for Creative Imaging Operations Manager Jheng Bautista, and Maindie Producer Baby Go.

IFFM Festival Director who was present told the media, “I am honored to feature these talented Filipino filmmakers on screen and onstage during their Q&A’s. They are some of the most prolific filmmakers in the Philippines right now.”

The grand prize winner of the night was Director Magat’s film “Disiotso,” followed by Director Cheska Paloma’s film “Tawag” at third place and Director Emir Khan Bautista-PCCI’s film “Kuya.” At fourth place, with the ‘Family Oriented Award’ was “Laya” by director Arvin Belarmino.

The Filipino films were in competition with other projects from France, Bulgaria, Sweden, Italy, and Canada.