27 January 2014- Philippine Ambassador to Bangladesh Vicente Vivencio T. Bandillo welcomed the Director of the Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF) Mr. Ahmed Muztaba Zamal at the Philippine Chancery on January 23 to receive the crest and certificate conferred by the Film Festival Committee on Ms. Vilma Santos for bagging the Best Actress award for her lead acting role in the indie film “Ekstra.”

The award was received on behalf of Ms. Vilma Santos who was not able to attend the Film Fest awarding ceremony held on January 18 at the National Museum Auditorium in Dhaka. 

The Dhaka International Film Festival this year is the 13th celebration of Rainbow Film Society, one of the most active film organizations in Bangladesh, dedicated to promoting social and cultural awareness of the country globally through film.  The event ran from January 10 to 18 with the theme, “Better Film, Better Audience and Better Society.”  The Festival, participated by almost 50 countries, featured the screening of around 150 films.

 “Ekstra,” which is the lone Philippine entry at the Festival, was chosen by the Festival Selection Committee as one of the official entries in the Australasian Film Competition Category.  A total of 22 films from Asia and Australia competed at the festival.  Local media critique described Ms. Santos’ acting prowess “fabulous.”  The film shows a story of the usual encounters in the life of a bit player in movie and television soap operas.

The handing over of the award was held during the welcome reception of the Philippine Embassy personnel and the Filipino community in Bangladesh for Ambassador Bandillo who just arrived in the country to assume office.

The crest and certificate will be forwarded to the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila for turnover to Ms. Vilma Santos. END