The Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) recently announced the official selection of “Bwakaw” as the country’s nominee in the Best Foreign Language Film category of the 85th Academy Awards (The Oscars) to be held next year.
The Academy’s Foreign Language Film Award Committee which will evaluate films from participating countries and will announce the official nominations and awards on Jan. 15 and Feb. 24, respectively.
The critically-acclaimed film by award-winning writer-director Jun Lana participated in the 2012 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival where it won the Audience Choice and Netpac Awards, as well as Best Actor (for Eddie Garcia) under the Director’s Showcase segment. The film had its international premiere at the recently held Toronto International Film Festival under its Contemporary World Cinema Section.
The worldwide rights for international screening of “Bwakaw” have been bought by Fortissimo Films, a multi-national film production and sales and distribution company. Fortissimo chairman Michael J. Werner was quoted as saying that “Bwakaw” is one of those rare films with universal appeal that will transcend language, nationality, class, gender and age.
International reviews by some film critics abroad have also given “Bwakaw” the affirmation. These include reviews by the Film Society of Lincoln Center for the 50th New York Film Festival, Hollywood Reporter, and Twitch Film.
The film starring veteran actor Eddie Garcia tells the amusing and touching story of an old homosexual who was forced to come to terms with himself and growing old alone with the sole company of his faithful dog.
