Winners at the 2019 QCinema international film festival

The 2019 QCinema International Film Festival showcased over 70 films this year, including new films making their world premieres and titles that have gathered international acclaim.

For its seventh edition, the works of three Filipino filmmakers figured in the festival’s main competition Asian Next Wave. These were Babae at Baril (Rae Red), Cleaners (Glenn Barit) and Kaaway sa Sulod (Arbi Barbonara).

This edition of QCinema is also its biggest yet, with 73 titles contained in 10 sections, 12 of which received generous grants.

The awards night was held Friday at the ballroom of the Novotel Manila Araneta City in Quezon City, and the winners were:

• Best film: Cleaners (Glenn Barit); which also won best audience choice award and best screenplay
• Best director: Rae Red (Babae at Baril)
• Best actor: Por Silatsa (The Long Walk)
• Best actress: Janine Gutierrez (Babae at Baril)
• Best short film: Judy Free (Che Tagayamon)
• Audience choice award (short film): Excuse Me Miss Miss Miss (Sonny Calvento)
• Gender Sensitivity Award: Babae at Baril (Rae Red)
• Special Jury Prize: Carla Pulido Ocampo (Tokwifi)
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Vic del Rosario (Viva Films)
• NETPAC Jury Prize: Qui Sheng (Suburban birds)
• Best Contribution for film editing: Lee Chatametikool (Nakorn-Sawan)

According to QCinema, this year’s batch of winners is an affirmation of the festival’s theme, Rising Wave, which recognizes debuting and female filmmakers.

The festival will run until October 22 at Gateway Cineplex 10, Robinsons Movieworld Galleria Ortigas, Ayala Malls Cinema Trinoma, Cinema Centenario, Cinema 76 Anonas, and Cine Adarna. —KG, GMA News