The 34th Cairo International Film Festival in Egypt held last Thursday, December 9 awarded the Youssef Chahine Award for Best Artistic Contribution to the Filipino musical film Emir.
The landmark film was produced by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) in cooperation with the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Shot on location in Ilocos and Morocco, it tells the story of an Ilocana nanny (played by Frencheska Farr) who risks her life to protect the son of a royal family in the Middle East.
Prior to Cairo event, Emir was shown in Montreal, Canada last August for the 34th World Film Festival and in South Korea last October for the 15th Pusan International Film Festival.
Director Chito Roño personally received the trophy and plaque awarded by festival director Ezzat Abou Ouf. Roño said he plans to direct an independent film next year.
This year’s edition of the Cairo IFF screened 150 films from 70 countries in a span of 10 days.
