27 November 2015 - Director Zig Dulay’s “Bambanti,” the Philippine entry in this year’s First Festival International du Film de Bruxelles (FIFB), bagged the Best Film award. “Bambanti” is a film about the prejudice of the rich towards the poor in a simple rural setting. Executive Producer Brillante Mendoza accepted the award for “Bambanti”.
In celebration of 40 years of independent cinema in Belgium, FIFB also highlighted the achievements of independent filmmakers like the Philippines’ own Brillante Mendoza.
Mendoza gained recognition in view of his following achievements: Best Director at the 62nd Cannes Film Festival for his film ‘Kinatay’ (2009); Best Film for ‘Lola’ (2009) at the 6th Dubai International Film Festival; Caligari Prize at the International Festival Berlin Film for ‘Tirador’ (2007); and Navicella Venezia at the 69th Venice International Film Festival for ‘Thy Womb’ (2012). ‘Masahista’, his first film, won the Golden Leopard at Video International Film Festival of Locarno. His film ‘Captive’ was shown at the 62nd Berlin International Film Festival (2012), while ‘Taklub’ was selected and screened in the Un Certain Regard at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival (2015). END