Filipino filmmaker Sheron Dayoc's movie "Halaw" won the 2011 Asia Pacific Screen Awards' (APSA) Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema (NETPAC) award in Australia last November 17.
A news release of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the film represents the multi-cultural groupings of Mindanao, bound by an opportunity to earn a living.
"Written, produced and directed by Dayoc, 'Halaw' follows the journey of a kaleidoscope of characters hoping for a better life in Sabah, Malaysia, despite the dangers of illegal immigration and the uncertainty of a true job in Malaysia," the DFA said.
Dayoc said the award inspires him to do more films which distinctly capture not only the Filipino spirit but also represent the Asian value of resilience.
Dayoc is a Mindanao independent filmmaker, editor, videographer and writer. His documentaries focus on untold stories of people from the grassroots level.
The 2011 APSA NETPAC Jury included APSA Nominations Council-NETPAC members, Philip Cheah (Chair), Jeannette Paulson Hereniko and Peggy Chiao.
It chose "Halaw" for its seamless storytelling and documentary quality which evokes the uncertainty and desperation in a little-known story of a modern-day boat people, the DFA said.
The APSA is an international cultural initiative of the Queensland State Government, which aims to promote and acclaim the cinematic excellence and cultural diversity of the Asia-Pacific region.
It brings together in a collaboration Paris-based United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and FIAPF-International Federation of Film Producers Associations. - RJMD/VVP, GMA News