ILOILO CITY — A short film by Ilonggo filmmaker Elvert Bañares won in a recent film festival in Brunei.
The film “Sa Sulod sang Luka-it nga Gal-um” (Inside an Empty Raincloud), which represented the Philippines, was named Best Film (Open Category) at the recent 8th Brunei Film Blitz Festival.
“Congratulations to us all — another major win for Pinoys!” said Bañares.
Bañares said Indonesian actress and director Djenar Maesa Ayu informed him that his film won as the announcement was made in another language.
Made in a span of eight years, the film is about an author of mainstream horror books and his suffering from an unknown disease while experiencing a writer’s block.
Played by actor John Julian “JJ” Muñiz, the film unravels the author’s frustration and isolation that led him to cast his creative demons out and become free from the unwanted burnout.
The film also stars Rosco Cofreros and Jhon Layson.
Bañares acknowledged the film’s production crew, including assistant director Kyle Fermindoza and associate producers Dr. Kristine Jalandoni and Allan Ryan Tan.
Bañares also acknowledged the production team, including Voltaire Abendan, Mary Grace Yulatic, Joseph Liprado, and Marc Requintina, as well as the support extended by Archie Dema-ala and lawyer Nic Pichay.
The film was also selected in the 20th Festival Transterritorial de Cine Underground in Argentina; the 15th Festival Internacional Cine Terror de Valparaíso in Chile; the Under Berlin Film Festival 2024 in Germany, and the Rieti e Sabina Film Festival 2024 in Italy.