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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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