BAKUNAWA FESTIVAL
Starting with the 8th edition, Bakunawa Young Cinema would be the first film festival in the Philippines to formally introduce the Critics Awards and Citation to be handed out by a Board of Film Critics. Separate from that of the Board of Jury, the Critics Awards and Citation may be given to any film - in competition or not - that the pool of film critics will cite or reward.
The Festival believes that legitimate film critics play a pivotal role in cinema, providing a unique balance to the filmmakers and their films. We select film critics who are active in writing or teaching - or both - to push forward discourse, point audiences' attention to neglected aspects of the films and promote film literacy.
The Film Critics are independent of the festival and the people behind the festival do not provide extra info nor does the festival engage in a prior discussion with them on any of the films that they will be watching. The films were all watched on our Bakunawa VOD Channel just like the rest of our audiences.
8th BAKUNAWA FESTIVAL I DEC 26 2021 to MARCH 6, 2022 I THE PHILIPPINES
Bakunawa 8 Critics Citations
Zig Madamba Dulay
Director, Black Rainbow I Philippines
CRITICS' AWARD FOR FILM EXCELLENCE : BLACK RAINBOW
This is not just a special film because we’re seeing it in the lens of our current situation in the country and in the world, amid the poverty and suffering brought about by wars and the pandemic. Black Rainbow is an important work that brings to light the histories of violence and decades of struggle that have bordered the lives of indigenous peoples. The drama is sublime, complemented by terrific acting and perfect comic timing, treading between funny and heartbreaking. But most importantly, it is generous with its depiction of Itan's world. You remember the place the most, the place that nurtures their lives and defines their futures, and you think: How can I be a part of the solution?
For creating a charming and profoundly moving portrait of Aeta youth, the labyrinth of circumstances they must navigate, and the spirit that carries them through.
For an extremely uplifting and sensitive depiction of the hopes and dreams of indigenous children, depicted with great care for characterization and filmmaking craft, the Citation for Film Excellence is given to Black Rainbow.
Djenar Maesa Ayu
Director, Tris I Indonesia
CRITICS' CITATION FOR EXCELLENCE IN DIRECTION : DJENA MAESA AYU for TRIS
For her masterly and gripping depiction of emotional abuse and depression, the Citation for Excellence in Directing is given to Djenar Maesa Ayu for Tris.
Monica Vanesa Tedja
Director, Dear To Me I Germany / Indonesia
CRITICS' CITATION FOR FILM EXCELLENCE :
DEAR TO ME
For its simple yet poetic depiction of how queer love and religious beliefs are freedoms that are tied together, constantly at tension, resolved only through the creation of a third space.
Reza Rahadian
Actor, Dear To Me I Indonesia
CRITICS' CITATION FOR EXCELLENCE IN PERFORMANCE : REZA RAHADIAN for TRIS
For convincingly essaying a difficult role as an unknowing gaslighting victim that required him to plumb deepest recesses of emotions, the Citation for Excellence in Performance is given to Reza Rahadian for Tris.
Patrick Pangan
Director, Shapeshifters I Philippines
CRITICS' CITATION FOR FILM EXCELLENCE : SHAPESHIFTERS
Shapeshifters reveals a young filmmaker with a confident sensibility. Choosing to visualize the manananggal vis-à-vis the extrajudicial killings at the time of Duterte may not be new, but the cinematic language in which this juncture is expressed moves between the accessible and abstract and can inspire different kinds of conversation.
Roberto I. Ercolalo
Director, Pedidos (Orders) I Spain
CRITICS' CITATION FOR QUARANTINE FILM EXCELLENCE : PEDIDOS (ORDERS)
For its hilarious depiction of how the pandemic has starved us for affection, leading us to seek romantic relationships in transactional ones.
Gian Gianan
Music Composer, Black Rainbow I Philippines
CRITICS' CITATION FOR EXCELLENCE IN MUSICAL SCORE : GIAN GIANAN for BLACK RAINBOW
For a composition that successfully accompanies the uplifting mood of the film, and for effectively incorporating indigenous chants, the Citation for Excellence in Original Music Score is given to Black Rainbow.
Jonas Römmig
Cinematographer, Dear To Me I Germany
CRITICS' CITATION FOR EXCELLENCE IN CINEMATOGRAPHY: JONAS RÖMMIG for DEAR TO ME
For the lyrical and intimate visual presentation of a story of star-crossed lovers, the Critics Citation for Excellence in Cinematography is given to Dear to Me (Jonas Römmig).
Bayu Kusuma
Director, GSMIII Essay: 23-28 I Indonesia
CRITICS' CITATION FOR EXCELLENCE IN EXPERIMENTAL FILM : GSMIII ESSAY: 23-28
For translating Nietzsche's text into a unique audiovisual language that burrows deep within the conscious and subconscious, and lingers long after the credits roll.
Zig Dulay
Scriptwriter, Black Rainbow I Philippines
CRITICS' CITATION FOR EXCELLENCE IN WRITING: ZIG DULAY for BLACK RAINBOW
For creating a world that sees indigenous children not merely as hapless victims of discrimination but as active agents in realizing their dreams.
Deny Joe
Editor, Tris I Indonesia
CRITICS' CITATION FOR EXCELLENCE IN EDITING : DENY JOE for TRIS
For effectively imbuing the film with an enthralling rhythm that approximates the mind of a depressive character, the Citation for Excellence in Editing is given to Tris.
Vahn Leinard C. Pascual
Director, Mga Gawaing Bahay (House Chores) I Philippines
CRITICS' CITATION FOR EXCELLENCE IN VERTICAL FILM : MGA GAWAING BAHAY (HOUSE CHORES)
For creating a film where absence manifests itself through disorder and grief is resolved only through the mundane acts of service.