THE PHILIPPINES, SEPTEMBER 12, 2012 – Venice International Film Festival (VIFF), the oldest in the world, awarded three accolades to Brillante Mendoza’s “Thy Womb (Sinapupunan)” – Bisato D’Oro, La Navicella or Venezia Cinema prize and the P. Nazareno Taddei Award Special Mention.
The film won the La Navicella (Venezia Cinema Award) and the P. Nazareno Taddei Award (Special Mention) at the VIFF. Although it did not win the coveted Golden Lion, which went to the hands of Korean filmmaker Kim Ki-Duk, the team and cast of “Thy Womb” received a five-minute standing ovation from the audience, which included world-class critics.
The La Navicella award is given by critics and the Rivisita del Cinematografo, an Italian publication.“ La Navicella is awarded to the director of a film considered particularly relevant for the affirmation of human values,” an online report said.
The Navicella jury praised the film, saying: “Although … ethnographic, the film goes beyond naturalism and turns into poetry. Mendoza brings to the screen an act of total love which stands out today as true scandal against frivolous provocation.”
Actress Nora Aunor, who played the role of a barren Badjao midwife who searches for a child-bearing wife for her ageing husband, won the Bisato D’Oro prize for her performance. According to an online report, previous recipients of the award were directors and producers, making Aunor the first actress and Filipino to win the award.
Brillante’s last entry to the VIFF was in 2009, the strong old-age character drama "Lola".
His other film, “Kinatay” won the Cannes Lions in 2009.
TBWA\SantiagoMangadaPuno chief creative officer Melvin Mangada is the executive producer of the award-winning film.
