Brillante Mendoza wins Best Director in Gijon Int'l Film Festival

Internationally-acclaimed Filipino director Brillante Mendoza received the Best Director award from the 54th Gijón International Film Festival for his work in the “Ma'Rosa,” the independent film that stars Cannes Film Festival 2016 Best Actress Jaclyn Jose.

Mendoza is the only Filipino to take home an award from the annual film festival in Spain.

Among the members of the international jury—chaired by Judith Collell—who chose the winners of the festival this year are David Matamoros, Kathleen Haney, Nima Javidi and Claudia Pinto.

Premio Mejor Director para BRILLANTE MENDOZA por MA' ROSA pic.twitter.com/EngMwvhsY1

— Gijon Film Festival (@Gijonfilmfest) November 26, 2016

On Sunday, the director took to social media to express his gratitude for yet another recognition.

Thank you to the 54th Gijon Intl Film Fest for the Best Director award for #MaRosa

— Brillante Mendoza (@brillante_ma) November 26, 2016

“Ma'Rosa” has continually given pride to the Philippines following Jose's win in Cannes this year, making the Kapuso actress the first Filipino and Southeast Asian winner of the prestigious award .

The film, which will be the Philippines' official entry to the Best Foreign Language Film category of the 89th Academy Awards, tackles the story of a mother who runs a convenience store and sells drugs on the side with her husband to make ends meet.

Among the actors who gave life to the film are Mon Confiado, Mark Anthony Fernandez, Jomari Angeles, Felix Roco, Maria Isabel Lopez, Andi Eigenmann, Julio Diaz, Baron Geisler, Neil Ryan Sese, and Mercedes Cabral. —KBK, GMA News