Annie Awards For Films Unfolds

The Annie Awards For Films Unfolds (Filipino Films)

The Cineaste Guild of the Philippines, a private film enthusiasts, announces the nominees to the Annie Awards for achievement in film.

Mes de Guzman's "Ang Daan Patungong Kalimugtong" , the story of two Igorot siblings who realizes that survival in life is easier when they are in the midst of their family in this hauntingly picaresque tale set against the perilous Mountain Province, earned 10 nominations.

Sari Llunch Dalena and Keith Sicat's "Rigodon", the story of three Filipino immigrants in New York City desperately trapped in their pursuit of the American Dream as they face their own spiritual decadence, picked up 9 nominations.

Mes de Guzman's "Diliman", the story of a writer whose state of loneliness is rooted in his dissatisfaction with the existing social order, received 7 nominations.

Aureaus Solito's " Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros", the story of a boy whose infatuation with a policeman turns into a sad portrait of desire thwarted by familial love, grabbed 6 nominations.

Ian Gamazon's and Neill dela Llana's "Cavite", the story of a Filipino- American whose return to the Philippines turns into a nightmare when his mother and sister are kidnapped by the infamous Abu Sayyaf and forces him to confront the evils of terrorism, the conflict of religion and the horrors of a country in disarray, bagged 5 nominations.

The Annie Awards takes its name from the mother of the group's founding President for the Cineaste Guild likens the work of the film artist with motherhood. Like a nurturing mother, the film artist nurtures his/her own work.

It is the only award giving body that recognizes individual achievements in short films by nominating them in the various categories. It also recognizes the contribution of films that tackle socio-political concerns through the Film Reportage category. It is the group's conviction that the film artist should not be detached from what is happening in our society of the world.

THE Cineaste of the Philippines also announced it's annual picks for Ten Best Films of the Year which includes: "Ala Verde Ala Pobre" (Muchachos Bravos Filmworks), "Big Time" (Arkeo Films), "Cavite" (Gorilla Films), "Ang Daan Patungong Kalimugtong" (Sampaybakod Production and Cinelarga)," Diliman" (Sampay Bakod Production and N.C.C.A.), "Ang Lagusan" (White Windows Films Production," Masahista" (Gee Films), " Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros" (UFO films), "Rigodon" (First Quarter Storm) and " Sa Aking Pagkakagising Mula Kamulatan" (Une Bloc production).

Special awards to be given this year are as follows:

The Jose Nepomuceno Award (given to a director, producer or writer for exemplary body of work). This year's recipient of the award is film auteur Mike de Leon.

An Honorary Annie for Best foreign Film will be awarded to Hany Assad's film "Paradaise Now" from Palestine- Netherlands- France.

The Lino Brocka Freedom of Expression Award (Given to an individual whose film works promotes the spirit of independence) . The award will be given to maverick filmmaker Lav Diaz.

The Gerry de Leon Film Heritage Award (Given to an individual, group or institution for the contribution to film culture).The award will be given this year to SOFIA for its unwavering work in restoration of the Filipino films.

The World Cinema Treasure Award (given to a film artist of international renown for unparalleled- contribution to world cinema). This year's recipient is Swedish film Master Ingmar Bergman.

The Annie Awards will be given during a private dinner scheduled on February 2007.