Pinoy movie one of Wall Street Journal's notable Asian films for 2011

A multi-awarded Filipino movie has earned the nod of a Wall Street Journal film critic as one of the most notable Asian films for 2011, the Philippine Consulate General in New York said.

 

Filipino director Aureaus Solito's "Busong" was among ten films that WSJ film critic Dean Napolitano cited for being big on impact despite small budgets.

 

In his blog posted on December 19, Napolitano noted that "Busong" "merges the mystical and the familiar in this culmination of a life-long exploration of his family's tribal origins." 

 

The Department of Foreign Affairs said that the film's theme which examined the spiritual world of the indigenous people of Palawan is tied to Solito's own tribal origins through his mother, a descendant of shamans and indigenous people in Palawan.

 

Solito has shared that the film is for his mother.

 

"This is for my mom. Kasi siya ang nagkuwento sa akin ng pamamaraan ng mga tribo. Ito rin ‘yung parang gift ng universe na nagkasabay-sabay, birthday niya ‘yung first premiere ng pelikula tungkol sa mga kwento niya," he said in an earlier report.

 

Early this year, the film was screened at the Director's Fortnight of Cannes 2011 and at the Cinemalaya Film Festival in Manila.

 

The Consulate General quoted The Hollywood Reporter as saying the film presents a visually and aurally delightful celebration of Philippine indigenous culture.

 

Last September, "Busong" won the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) International Critics Prize at the Eurasia International Film Festival (EIFF).

 

It was featured in the 27th Warsaw Film Festival, and won the  International Competition Tomorrow's Cinema Award at the 38th Brussels International Independent Film Festival in Belgium.

 

The film stars Alessandra de Rossi, Filipino-American actor Clifford Bañagale, and Dax Alejandro.

 

Solito's other works included the locally and internationally-acclaimed "Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros" (2005), "Pisay" (2007), and "Boy" (2009). –CGL/KG, GMA News