Film Development Council of the Philippines

On June 22, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDPC) announced the winners of the kaSAYSAYan Historical Scriptwriting Contest.

 

The project, launched in February 2010, was done in preparation for the year 2011’s being a marker for several notable events in Philippine history, such as Jose Rizal’s 150^th birthday, the country’s 65^th year of independence from America, and the People Power Revolution’s 50^th anniversary.  

 

The contest also aimed to find the most captivating yet unknown story, in the form of a full-length screenplay, using Filipino natural history as a springboard.

 

After an overwhelming response from all over the Philippines and the world, only the most brilliant three were named winners.

 

After gruelling deliberation, these received the highest remarks: It was a toss-up between first and second place, but ultimately, “Balangiga” by Jose F. Lacaba took top spot for its sheer brilliance and polish as a full-length screenplay, and Florencio dela Cruz Quintos’ very impressive “Nan Hudhud Hi Apo Ilyam (Apo Ilyam’s Hudhud)” won second prize. Meanwhile, the “Hollywood-ready” script by Eduardo Rocha and the late Henry Francia, “The Whirlwinds of Dust: The Fall of Antonio Luna” bagged third place.

 

The winners will receive P350,000, P250,000, P150,000, respectively.

 

Apart from these, the judges were impressed with Arnel Mardoquio’s “Mangulayon”, granting it a Special Mention prize for its fresh subject matter and for being a worthy story heralding Mindanao.

 

A deciding body of distinguished educators and industry greats was pooled to determine the winning scripts. Sen. Edgardo Angara headed the Board of Judges.

 

Besides the cash prize, there is a possibility that the first place winner may be developed into a film.

 

Winners will be contacted for the awarding schedule.