Lav Diaz’s ‘Ang Babaeng Humayo’ receives top award at Venice International Film Festival
The black-and-white story of forgiveness and transcendence “Ang Babaeng Humayo” filmed by great, multi-awarded filmmaker Lav Diaz received the top award Golden Lion prize for best picture at the 73rd Venice International Film Festival, Venice Italy, September 10.
Under the direction of Diaz, who is known for his long-no cut films, and produced by Sine Olivia and Cinema One Originals, the film Ang Babaeng Humayo as explained by Diaz is a concept of life is not truly understand by anyone and that more often people abide and succumb to life’s randomness.
“This is for my country, for the Filipino people, for our struggle and the struggle of humanity,” Diaz expressed in his acceptance speech.
Venice International Film Festival is the oldest film festival in the world and one of the biggest film festivals tag along with Cannes Film Festival and Berlin International Film Festival.
The film starred Ms. Charo Santos as the lead actress, who has praised for her timeless and sturdy performance. The film was shot in Mindoro, hometown of Santos. She described the film as a story of forgiveness, of transcendence.
Together with Santos are John Lloyd Cruz, Michael de Mesa, Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino, Nonie Buencamino, Marj Lorico, Mayen Estanero, Romelyn Sale, Lao Rodriguez, Jean Judith Javier, Mae Paner, and Kakai Bautista.
A jury led by British director Sam Mendes chose winners from among 20 movies competing at the 73rd annual festival.
Here is the list of winners:
Golden Lion: Lav Diaz, “The Woman Who Left”; Philippines.
Silver Lion director (tie): Andre Konchalovsky, “Paradise”; Russia, Germany.
Silver Lion director (tie): Amat Escalante, “The Untamed”; Mexico.
Jury grand prize: “Nocturnal Animals,” Tom Ford; U.S.
Special jury prize: “The Bad Batch,” Ana Lily Amirpour; U.S.
Actor: Oscar Martinez, “The Distinguished Citizen”; Argentina, Spain.
Actress: Emma Stone, “La La Land”; U.S.
Screenplay: Noah Oppenheim, “Jackie”; U.S.
Marcello Mastroianni Price for Young Performer: Paula Beer, “Frantz”; France.
Luigi De Laurentiis Lion of the Future: “The Last of Us,” Ala Eddine Slim; Tunisia.
