Two Filipino artists were recently honored at the ninth Harlem International Film Festival held last Sept. 14 at the Maysles Cinema in New York. Director Joel Lamangan’s Kamkam (Greed) won Best Film, while Allen Dizon was adjudged Best Actor for Magkakabaung (The Coffin Maker).
“Kamkam” tells the story of Johnny (Allen Dizon). Johnny and his family live in a poverty-trodden community Sitio Camcam, where he lords over the barangay in reckless corruption and impunity. The film also stars Jean Garcia, Sunshine Dizon, Jackie Rice, Elizabeth Oropesa, and Emilio Garcia, among others. The Cinema Evaluation Board gave the movie a “Grade A” citing the film’s inspired performances, intelligent direction, relevant story, and technical executions.
“Magkakabaung” is the story of a neglectful father named Randy (Allen Dizon) who is eager to move on with his life but finds it hard not only to have his eight year-old daughter’s body buried, but also to bury his guilt as the person behind his daughter’s death. The film also stars Gladys Reyes, Emilio Garcia, Chanel Latorre, Bor Ocampo and Felixia Dizon, under the direction of Jason Paul Laxamana.