02 September 2013 – Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Minda Calaguian-Cruz hosted a reception for the team behind the film Iloilo, which has been making waves in Singapore since it won the Camera d’Or at the Cannes in May. The Camera d’Or is given to the best first feature film presented in one of the Cannes’ selections.

Singaporean Director Anthony Chen and lead actress Yeo Yann Yann attended the event, together with Teresita Sajonia, who worked for eight years as a household service worker with the Chens. She became the inspiration behind Aunt Terry, one of the lead characters in the film, who was played by Filipino actress Angeli Bayani.

Iloilo is the first Singaporean film to win a major prize in Cannes, and no less than President Tony Tan attended the gala premiere at the Marina Bay Sands on August 24. Ambassador Cruz and Minister & Consul General Alan Deniega were also present at the gala screening.

The film tells the story of a Singaporean family and their Filipino helper, Terry, and their personal struggles against the backdrop of the economic crisis of the mid-90s. Though the story line is simple, Director Chen beautifully captures the complexity of the individual characters and their relationships, with the help of the nuanced acting by the cast members.

The film has touched the hearts of many viewers, including Filipinos, especially after Director Chen and his brother were reunited with their Aunt Terry, 16 years after she left Singapore.

The film has been booked for screening in different parts of the world, including Paris, Geneva and Moscow in the next few months. END