For the first time, internationally-acclaimed director Brillante Mendoza and celebrated screen star Judy Ann Santos worked together for the film Mindanao which had its world premiere at the 24th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) in Busan, South Korea last Oct. 5 under Icons, a newly established section in BIFF that introduces the latest films made by iconic filmmakers from around the world.
Mindanao follows the story of Saima (Judy Ann Santos), a mother caring for her cancer-stricken child Aisa (Yuna Tangog) and her husband Malang (Allen Dizon), a combat medic deployed in a civil conflict against rebel forces.
To support Filipino filmmakers and Philippine cinema in entering the global arena, FDCP continued to lead the participation of the Philippine Delegation in BIFF this year after it led the Philippines as Country of Focus in 2018.
Furthermore, Mindanao was praised for stirring the audience’s emotions. Actress Santos, which had her first red carpet experience in an international film festival at BIFF, was also commended for her acting performance.
In a Screen Daily film review, it said, “This is not a film which leaves any emotional button unpushed. And indeed, the film features a third act of such levels of crass contrivance that it rather undermines the emotional impact of loss of life. Throughout all this, Santos retains grace and dignity with a performance which is a class apart from the rest of the picture.”
The 24th Busan International Film Festival was held from Oct. 3 to 12.
Mindanao is also set to screen under the World Focus Powered by Aniplex Inc. section at the 32nd Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) happening from Oct. 28 to Nov. 5 in Tokyo, Japan.