The biggest winner in this year’s Cinemalaya Film Festival under the new breed category–”Transit”–has been chosen to become the official entry of the Philippines to the Annual Academy Awards otherwise known as the Oscars.
Leo Martinez, the head of Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP), announced on Wednesday that “Transit” won by 1 vote against close rivals Erik Matti’s “On The Job” and Brillante Mendoza’s “Thy Womb” to become the country’s official entry to the Oscars. The deciding vote came from Peque Gallaga, the head of the selection committee, after the three films mentioned above figured in a three-way tie.
To wit, the other committee members are actors Robert Arevalo & Gina Alajar, editor Jess Navarro, directors Elwood Perez, Jose Carreon and Willie Mayo.
Helmed by rookie director Hannah Espia, “Transit” won Best Picture in the New Breed category of the 9th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. It also bagged the awards for Best Actress (Irma Adlawan), Best Supporting Actress (Jasmine Curtis-Smith), Best Cinematography (Ber Cruz), Best Editing (Benjamin Tolentino, Espia), and Best Original Music Score (Mon Espia).
“Transit” had its commercial run last week at the Ayala Malls Cinemas.