Sunday's Cinemalaya awards night, which had the theme "Looking Back, Coming Home," put the spotlight on the artists behind the exceptional set of independent film entries during the festival's 15th year.
The Best Film award for the full-length feature category was given to "John Denver Trending" which told the story of a 14-year-old boy who faces the consequences after a video of him attacking a classmate went viral.
It also received the awards for Best Original Music Score, Best Editing, Best Cinematography, and the NETPAC Award.
Jansen Magpusao, the actor who played the main protagonist in John Denver Trending, was hailed as Cinemalaya 2019's Best Actor.
"Wag Mo Kong Kausapin" by Josef Dielle Gacutan received the Best Film award for the short feature category.
The following awards were also given at the prestigious indie film event hosted by Kapuso stars Paolo Paraiso and Ina Feleo:
- Audience Choice Award - Short Feature: Heist School by Julius Renomeron Jr.
- Audience Choice Award - Full Length Feature: Belle Douleur by Joji V. Alonso
- Best Sound Design - Full Length Feature: Iska
- Best Production Design - Full Length Feature: Edward-Alvin Francisco
- Shorts Special Mention for Subject Matter: Hele ng Maharlika - Norvin de los Santos
- Best Screenplay - Short Feature: Kontrolado ni Girly ang Buhay Niya - Gilb Baldoza
- Best Screenplay - Full Length Feature: Iska - Mary Rose Colindres
- Best Supporting Actor - Full Length Feature: Ricky Davao for F#*@BOIS
- Best Supporting Actress - Full Length Feature: Ella Cruz for Edward
- Best Actress - Full Length Feature: Ruby Ruiz for Iska
- Special Jury Award for Short Feature: Tembong by Shaira Advincula
- Best Director Award - Short Feature: Don Senoc for Sa Among Agwat
- Best Director Award - Full Length: Eduardo Roy Jr. for F#*@BOIS
Cinemalaya film entries will be playing in Ayala and Vista Malls until August 15. — Dona Magsino/DVM, GMA News