Film producer engineer Benjie Austria

It was another victory for engineer Benjie Austria of BenTria Productions after he was recognized as Outstanding Indie Film Producer of the Year for the movie "Broken Blooms" at the 4th Laguna Excellence Awards held at the Tent Events Place in Calamba City, Laguna last May 7.

The 4th Laguna Excellence Awards aims to give recognition to deserving individuals, groups, companies, brands, and personalities who made a big impact on their respective fields of specialization.

Austria said he was grateful for the continuous recognition of his film and the actors here and abroad, despite being a new producer.

"Lubos ang aking pasasalamat sa bumubuo at namamahala ng Laguna Excellence Awards for this milestone. I am both humbled and honored to receive this outstanding indie film producer of the year award from this prestigious organization.

"Also, winning this award is not possible without the guidance, wisdom, and blessing from our God. I would also like to thank my family and friends for their support, the whole Bentria Productions, cast, and of course, Big Boy Villariza, Direk Louie Ignacio, Ferdie Lapuz, and Dennis Evangelista.

"Ang award na ito ay nagbigay lalo ng strength at challenge sa akin to produce more and better indie films at magsilbi din sanang inspirasyon sa mga bagong katulad ko na nangarap pumasok sa mundo ng film industry.

"To the other brilliant winners, I commend the amount of hard work and time commitment you have dedicated to your respective works. Patuloy nating suportahan ang pelikulang Pilipino. To God be the glory! Maraming, maraming salamat," said Austria.

Earlier this year, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts awarded Jeric Gonzales the prestigious Ani ng Dangal trophy also for the film "Broken Blooms."

"Broken Blooms" was shown in numerous film competitions abroad and has garnered more than 10 international recognitions. Jeric won his first international award for his role as Luisito Lagdameo Ignacio' at Harlem International Film Festival. This was followed by two best actor awards from India, at the Mokho International Film Festival and Tagore International Film Festival. Another award came from the Montelupo International Film Festival in Italy. The film also swept awards at the Saskatchewan International Film Festival in 2022.