Pinoy film wins at Intl Detective Film Festival in Russia

Filipino film “Amok” won a special prize at the 14th International Detective Film Festival in Moscow, Russia held from April 25 to 29.   “Amok” bested 73 other nominees to be named one of the three awardees in the Detective Film Category, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.   Two more Filipino entries earned certificates in the film festival—“A Bridge to Peace” in the War and Peace category and “Boundary” also for the Detective Film category. Both films were produced by Voyage Studios.   Philippine Embassy in Moscow Chargé d'affaires, a.i. (CDA) Dinno M. Oblena received the award at the Russian Army Theater. He thanked Yuri Mityushin, the president of the festival, for the recognition of Filipino films not only in Russia but all over the world.   Set in the chaotic intersection of Pasay Rotonda, “Amok” is directed by Lawrence Fajardo, and tells a story of “interconnected fate and destiny” that begins when an enraged man fires his gun blindly into different directions.   An entry to the “New Breed” category of last year’s Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival, “Amok” stars Mark Gil, Nonie Buencamino, Garry Lim, and Efren Reyes Jr.   Fajardo’s films have been gaining international recognition over the years. His 2005 independent film “Kultado” won the Special Jury Prize in the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival and the Best Short Film Award from the Gawad Urian, and was an official entry to the Clermont Ferrand Short Film Festival 2008.   Kultado was also exhibited in Germany, Singapore, Los Angeles, and Italy.   His first full-length feature “Raket ni Nanay”, meanwhile, won the best Sound and Editing Awards in the Cinema One Originals in 2006. - with Ralph Angelo Ty/VVP, GMA News