Around GMA

Article Inside Page

Filipino short film Ang Lihim ni Lea or Lea's Secret continues to wow judges as it recently took home nine prestigious awards in different international film festivals.

This includes the Best Original Story and Grand Jury Award for Animation at the New York International Film Awards, and Best Original Story and Best Main Theme at the Oniros Film Festival New York 2020.

The film also represented the country in the recently concluded Cannes International Film Festival, Madrid Indie Film Festival, Rome Independent Prisma Awards, Paris Lift-Off Festival, and the ARFF Barcelona International Awards.

Behind the success of Ang Lihim ni Lea are two GMA talents, writer Augie Rivera, head writer of Ang Pinaka, and director Rico Gutierrez, director of Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko and The Boobay and Tekla Show.

In an interview for 24 Oras, Rico and Augie shared how the project came to be.

Rico said, “Nakapag-usap kami Augie na gawin kaya natin itong animation para mas marami pang makaintindi at makapanood kung ano 'yung puwedeng mangyari sa kanila at kung ano'ng puwedeng gawin nila kung mangyari sa kanila ito.”

Meanwhile, Augie added, “Marami tayong hindi alam sa tema. Ang dami tuloy maling information tayong nakukuha.

“Nangyayari siya sa lahat, mayaman, mahirap, nangyayari siya. At kailangan tayong mag-raise ng awareness para maprotektahan natin 'yung mga bata."

Ang Lihim ni Lea tells the story of a girl named Lea who believes she has a superpower when, in reality, it's her coping mechanism to forget about the sexual abuse she receives from her father.

It aims to raise awareness about child sexual abuse and highlights the importance of open communication between parents and children.

Congratulations, Augie and Rico! GMA Network is very proud of you!