By Louise Lizan
Alberto “Treb” Monteras II’s Respeto was the most decorated film at the recently concluded
Gawad Urian Awards held at the ABS-CBN Tent Vertis North and organized by Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino.
Respeto, an independent film that tackles the powerful use of the Filipino poetry in the form of Pinoy hip hop rap battles and Balagtasan poetry, bagged four trophies including the Best Actor award for rapper Abra, Supporting Actor for Dido de la Paz, Best Editing, and Best Sound.
Meanwhile, Balangiga: Howling Wilderness, a film about the Philippine-American War walked home with the coveted Best Picture and Best Music trophies.
Musical Ang Larawan won Best Actress plum for Joanna Ampil and Best Production Design.
Arnel Barbarona took home the Best Director award for Tug Pug Imatuy following his win for the same category at the 66th FAMAS earlier this month.
The Natatanging Gawad Urian award was presented to jazz pianist, composer, arranger, and musical director Winston Raval.
Other winners were: Best Supporting Actress for Odette Khan; Best Screenplay for Christopher Gozum (Dapol Tan Payawar Na Tayuh 1931); Best Cinematography for Mycko David (Neomanila); Best Documentary for Victor Delotavo Tagaro and Toshihiko Uriu (Yield); and Best Short Film for Kiti Dalena (Gikan sa Ngitngit Nga Kinailadman).
The awards were presented by former winners of the Gawad Urian with the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino (MPP) members led by its President Rolando Tolentino and members Grace Javier Alfonso, Butch Francisco, Bienvenido Lumbera, Miguel Rapatan, Benilda Santos, Dr. Nicanor Tiongson, Tito Genova Valiente, Patrick Campos, Shirley Lua, and Gary Devilles.
Members of the MPP also took time to honor the late Mario Fernando, the co-founder of the Manunuri with stars and film directors who had been a part of the Gawad Urian throughout the years.
The night was hosted by Butch Francisco along with Alessandra de Rossi and Empoy Marquez, stars of the film Kita Kita.
Further giving filmmakers to showcase their films, Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino partners with Cinema for the inaugural CineManunuri Film Festival, taking until June 29 featuring the winners and the nominated films in the 41st Gawad Urian.