PEP: 2 RP actors share Greek Best Actor award

Sid Lucero and Emilio Garcia go down in history as the first persons to tie for the Best Actor award in the 49-year history of the Thessaloniki International Film Festival. The Filipino actors were recognized in Greece for their outstanding portrayal in the film Selda (international title: The Inmate), which is co-directed by Paolo Villaluna and Ellen Ramos. This indie film is also credited as the first Filipino movie to compete in the said festival, which took place in Greece from November 14-23, 2008. Both directors attended the film fest but the two lead actors were unable to attend. Francis Xavier Pasion was also present at the 49th Thessaloniki International Film Festival to present his film Jay, which was screened as part of the Independence Day section. According to Leo Dominguez, Emilio's manager, his ward was not able to attend because he has tapings for Gagambino three times a week. Emilio learned about the good news this morning on the set of the said GMA-7 show. In a text message sent to PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portak) this morning, Emilio said, "I'm shocked and at the same time very happy. This is my fourth award for Selda and I am happy for all the recognition I received for this film." It will be recalled that Emilio won as Best Supporting Actor for Selda during the 31st Gawad Urian. He was also the Best Supporting Actor during this year's Gawad Tanglaw and was named as the Supporting Actor of the Year during the 24th Star Awards for Movies. In the Gawad Urian, Sid tied with Jason Abalos for the Best Actor award, with Sid being recognized for Selda while Jason performed in Endo. Selda is about a young man (played by Sid Lucero) who is imprisoned for defending his wife (played by Ara Mina). He then meets a fellow inmate (played by Emilio) who helps him adjust to life inside prison. According to Ferdy Lapuz of Ignatius Films Canada, the jury president of the Thessaloniki IFF, Michael Ondaatje, liked the film very much and said that Selda is a "powerful film." Mr. Ondaatje is best known as the writer of The English Patient (1997). Another member of the jury is Diablo Cody, the American screenwriter behind the hit movie Juno (2007). Selda is represented by Ignatius Films Canada. - Philippine Entertainment Portal