UAE-based OFW prod wins awards in India, selection in Paris, Prague

A film production in the United Arab Emirates consisting of nearly 60 overseas OFWs recently won three awards at the Nawada International Film Festival, and an official selection each at the Paris International Film Awards, and the Prague International Film Awards.

Francis Luscianne Javier Gacer, director of the Kiko Man Films (KMF), said: "'Kudlit' is a horror film that was acclaimed as 'Best Philippine Film' and '3rd Best Horror Film' while 'Pamilya Braces,' which is a drama-comedy-LGBTQ-themed film, was recognized as '4th Best Inspirational Feature Film' during the 2nd Nawada International Film Festival in India last May 9."

All photos courtesy of Francis Luscianne Javier Gacer of Kiko Man Films

Behind-the-scenes of "Kudlit"

"I myself was hailed as the 'Best Foreign Director' in the short film category for the action-drama movie 'Langay-langayan sa Nanunuyong Palayan' there," the 45-year-old designer at Spinneys L.L.C. added in an interview via email on May 17.

"Kudlit" is about a woman communicating with the derailed soul of a murdered student at a local dormitory. "Pamilya Braces" depicts the story of a Filipino modern family who has endured the pandemic with their love for each other. "Langay-langayan sa Nanunuyong Palayan” is about the tragic story of farmers who vetoed against the buying-off of their farmlands by a feudal lord.

"I also have two films that got officially selected: "Limbaswang" for the Paris International Film Awards, and "Papel Sa Poste" for the Prague International Film Awards."

Set up in the voodoo known province of Capiz in the Philippines, "Limbaswang" is about a family who buried a wooden box of evil incantation. It was discovered by a young woman years after and used it against her older sister.

Behind-the-scenes of "Limgbaswang"

"Papel Sa Poste," on the other hand, is a tale of a Filipina babysitter who looks after four children during the COVID-19 pandemic abroad.

Behind-the-scenes of "Papel Sa Poste"

Behind-the-scenes of "Langay-Langayan"

"I love making horror films and films with progressive ideologies. Horror films require all artistic techniques and flairs in script, directing, cinematography, effects, color, and music; while films with progressive ideologies remind me of my being a political activist before and from the time I have discovered my talent in writing." —LBG, GMA News