‘Balangiga’ wins Best Picture at QCinema 2017

Despite controversies, “Balangiga: Howling Wilderness” emerged triumphant at the 2017 QCinema International Film Festival awards night on Thursday.

The film was recognized for “its solid vision, with sensitive performances paired with strong visual, aural and poetic narrative. It is an elegy to the tragic history of the Philippines as seen through the eyes of a boy that is both a celebration and a lamentation of humanity.”

The visionary behind the film, Khavn dela Cruz, was awarded Best Director. The film’s lead Justine Samson was hailed Best Actor.

“Balangiga” was at the center of controversy this week for depicting the slaughter and cruelty to livestock in some scenes, prompting the organizers of QCinema to change the film’s rating without informing the filmmakers.

The winners received a new Pylon trophy designed by visual artist and sculptor Reg Yuson.

• QC Shorts Audience Awards: Kun’ di Man (Phyllis Grande)
• Audience Choice (Feature length): Neomanila (Mikhail Red)
• Circle Best Film (Feature length): Balingaga: Howling Wilderness (Khavn dela Cruz)
• Best Film (Asian Next Wave): Marlina the Murder in Four Acts (Mouly Surya)
• Best Picture (Short film): Babylon (Keith Deligero)
• Rainbow QC Best Picture: Close-Knit (Naoko Ogigami)
• NETPAC Jury Prize (Circle): Dapol Tan Payawar Na Tayug 1931 (Christopher Gozum)
• NETPAC Jury Prize (Rainbow QC): Beach Rats (Eliza Hittman)
• NETPAC Jury Prize (Asian Next Wave): Snow Woman (Kiki Sugino)
• NETPAC Jury Prize (Short film): Gikan Sa Ngitngit Nga Kinailadman (Kiri Dalena)
• Gender Sensitivity Award: Dormitoryo (Mga Walang Katapusang Kwarto)
• Best Director: Khavn dela Cruz (Balangiga)
• Best Screenplay: Andrian Legaspi and John Bedia (The Chanters)
• Best Artistic Achievement (Cinematography): Myko David (Neomanila)
• Best Actress: Jally Nai Gilbaliga (The Chanters)
• Best Supporting Actress: Sheenly Gener (Dormitoryo)
• Best Actor: Justine Samason (Balangiga)
• Best Supporting Actor: Pio Del Rio (Balangiga)

This year's Circle Competition festival jury includes Najwa Abubakar, Axel Estein, and directors Erik Matti and Davy Chou.

Film critics Clarence Tsui and Philbert Dy and writer-director Sigrid Andrea Bernardo make up the Asian Next Wave Competition Jury, while acclaimed poet J. Neil Garcia and filmmakers Johnny Symons and Ray Yeung served as RainbowQC Competition jury.

Alessandra De Rossi, Quark Henares, and Axel Estein served as QC Shorts Competition jury.

The QCinema International Festival runs from October 19 to 28 at Trinoma, UP Town Center, Gateway, and Robinsons Galleria. —BAP/KG, GMA News