Brillante Mendoza’s ’Mindanao’ selected as the Philippine entry to 2021 Oscars

“Mindanao” by director Brillante Mendoza has been selected as the Philippines’ official entry to the 2021 Academy Awards International feature film category.

The 2019 film starring Judy Ann Santos and Allen Dizon bagged multiple awards at the 2019 Metro Manila Film Festival, including Best Picture.

The Film Academy of the Philippines, who announced the news on Tuesday (November 24), took to social media to congratulate Mendoza and his lead actors.

"We are pleased to announce the selection of the feature film, Mindanao, as the Philippines' official entry to the 93rd OSCARS International Feature Film category," said FAP Director General Vivian Velez said in a Facebook post.

"Mindanao won best picture in the most recent Metro Manila Film Festival and featured Judy Ann Santos and Allen Dizon as the lead actors, directed by Brillante Mendoza. Congratulations and best wishes!" she added.

“Mindanao” follows a Muslim mother (Judy Ann Santos) who looks after her cancer-stricken child while her husband (Allen Dizon) is away at war.

The picture, which premiered 2019, won Best Film at the 45th Metro Manila Film Festival in December 2019.

Brillante Mendoza won Best Director, while Judy Ann Santos and Allen Dizon won Best Actress and Best Actor.

Every year for its International Film Feature competition, the Academy selects five entries from all around the world deemed eligible for the prize on awards night. — Margaret Claire Layug/LA, GMA News