JM de Guzman and Rita Daniela took home the top acting awards at this year’s Sinag Maynila Film Festival.
On Sunday, Sept. 28, JM was recognized for his role in GB Sampedro’s “Selda Tres,” which also won the People’s Choice Award.
Meanwhile, Rita won for Joel Lamangan’s “Madawag ang Landas Patungong Pag-Asa,” the evening’s most awarded entry with additional wins for Best Picture, production design, screenplay, and music.
In her speech, Rita said the recognition was a fitting gift as she marked two decades in show business. She dedicated the award to her young son.
Topel Lee’s “Jeongbu” earned him Best Director, along with prizes for cinematography, sound design, and editing.
In the documentary category, Giovanni Piolo Rayla’s “Oscar’s Recipe” was named Best Documentary, while Daniel dela Cruz’s “Ang Gadya Sang Suba” won Best Short Film. Drag performer Precious Paula Nicole was cited for Best Performance in a Short Film for “Lip Sync Assassin.”
The festival also honored several student filmmakers, with Janno Pelias’ “Sa Wakas, Kasama” and Trini Archie Garcia’s “Taga-Taga” taking top prizes.
Screenings run until Sept. 30.
