The Film Academy of the Philippines chose this drama film to vie for an Oscar in the Best Foreign Language Film category of the 89th Academy Awards.
Jaclyn Jose earned the Best Actress trophy at this year’s Cannes Film Fest for her portrayal of Rosa, a family matriarch who uses their sari-sari store as a front to sell illegal drugs. She and her husband (played by Julio Diaz) are detained by corrupt policemen while their children (played by Andi Eigenmann, Felix Roco and Jomari Angeles) try to raise funds for their freedom.
The Film Academy of the Philippines picked Ma’Rosa among other shortlisted fi lms, including Gil Portes’ Ang Hapis at Himagsik ni Hermano Puli, Lav Diaz’s Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis, Erik Matti’s Honor Thy Father, Derick Cabrido’s Nora Aunor-starrer Tuos, Eduardo Roy’s Pamilya Ordinaryo, and Joel Lamangan’s Felix Manalo.
Another Lav Diaz fi lm was added to the shortlist: Ang Babaeng Humayo. Starring Charo Santos Concio and John Lloyd Cruz, it recently won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Fest.
Director Edgardo ‘Boy’ Vinarao serves as the head of the selection committee of the FAP while the members include director Jose Carreon, Director Mike Sandejas, actor/scriptwriter Ed Rocha, cinematographer Lee Meily, actor Michael de Mesa and actress Cherie Gil.
The 89th Academy Awards will be held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, on Febr uary 26, 2017.
In a phone interview with Direk Brillante Mendoza, .
“I’m very happy. I’m very glad na fi nally na-recognize ako ng Academy after 10 years. Masaya ako dun..
He explained, “Nagulat talaga ako kasi hindi naman ako nageexpect.”
What can he say about the strong Oscar buzz for Ang Babaeng Humayo (The Woman Who Left)?
‘That’s why hindi na ako nag-expect kasi ine-expect ko yun ang kukunin nila.’ What are his immediate plans for the campaign?
“As we speak, pinapalabas ang Ma’Rosa sa Toronto, na alam natin ang Toronto ay gateway sa North American premiere. Dun sila lahat nagkakampanya for consideration.”
The veteran filmmaker believes chances are high for Ma’Rosa since its distributor is the same company that distributed Son of Saul.
This Holocaust movie from Hungary emerged as the Best Foreign Language Film in last year’s Academy Awards.
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JAMES REID denied the rumors involving his sister’s name Lauren Reid in the Gab Valenciano-Tricia Centenera break up.
“All I have to say is it’s not true!
“She’s the one who told me (about it). “
She said,
‘You know this is out, blah, blah, but it’s not true.’”
Has Lauren been aff ected by the issue?
“No. Nakalimutan na niya.
Are they friends? Lauren and Gab?
“They’ve met. And that’s it.”
Some speculates that the real cause of Gab and Tricia’s split up are Cosplayers like Alodia Gosiengfi ao, Issa Pressman (younger sister of Yassi pressman), and model Dani Camcam.
Issa denied the issue linking her with Gab, while Alodia and Dani hasn’t spoken up.
