The Philippine delegation for the fourth ASEAN International Film Festival & Awards (AIFFA) bagged three (3) major awards during AIFFA’s Red Carpet Gala Night held last April 27, 2019 at the Pullman Hotel in Kuching, Sarawak in Malaysia.

This year, eight (8) Filipino films were shortlisted, and among these, the multi-awarded film “Signal Rock” directed by Chito Roño produced by Regal Entertainment took home the Best Film. “Signal Rock” was also featured in Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino 2018 and won the Critics’ Choice Award.

Filipinos’ acting prowess was also recognized during the film festival as Kapuso child star Barbara Miguel received the Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Carlo Obispo’s “1 2 3 (Wan-Tu-Tri)" from TBA Studios and late indie actor Kristoffer King won the posthumous Best Actor for his role in HF Yambao’s “Kristo” from Eichef Films. Meanwhile, Gawad Urian nominee Timothy Castillo is featured in Malaysian film “Crossroads: One Two Jaga,” which garnered accolades at AIFFA.

“1 2 3 (Wan-Tu-Tri)" Actress Barbara Miguel (center) during AIFFA’s Red Carpet Gala Night (Photo from 1-2-3's Facebook page)

Filipino delegates also participated in the Philippine Cinema Night sponsored by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), the country’s film agency.

“We are very proud of our winners who continue to promote Philippine cinema on a global level. AIFFA showcases the different voices that are truly distinct in the region, and we are pleased that they continue to give recognition to our talents and stories,” said FDCP Chairperson and CEO Mary Liza Diño.

The biennial film festival AIFFA celebrates Southeast Asian films from ten (10) ASEAN countries, including the Philippines, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

AIFFA took place from April 25 to 27, 2019 in Kuching, Sarawak