Legarda Commends Lav Diaz for Alfred Bauer Prize in 66th Berlin Film Festival

February 24, 2016

Senator Loren Legarda commended filmmaker Lav Diaz for garnering the Alfred Bauer Prize at the 66th Berlin International Film Festival for his critically acclaimed feature film Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis (A Lullaby to the Sorrowful Mystery.) The Alfred Bauer Prize is given to a feature film that “opens new perspectives on cinematic art.”

 

The Berlin International Film Festival is one of the world’s leading cinema events. It annually brings together the global industry’s top filmmakers, actors, actresses, and producers in one venue to celebrate the best works in the cinematic world.

 

Legarda said, “Diaz  is a catalyst and his works elevate Philippine artisty in the global arena by challenging the convention  of filmmaking and the film experience.”

 

“More importantly, the subject of his films raise a discussion on what it is like to be Filipino, in the midst of our rich history, our struggles through imperialism and colonization, to our present reality. Through his work the world hears about our nation’s story or at least one perspective of it,” Legarda added.

 

Diaz’s latest film focused on the Philippine revolution in the 19th century, a poetic, recounted and reimagined narrative on the country’s struggle for emancipation after 300 years of Spanish ruling and the turbulent struggle that ensued among the nation’s revolutionary leaders. The 8-hour long film is the longest film to ever compete at the festival and was warmly received by the audience when screened last February 18.

 

According to Diaz in a previous interview, “The struggle of the Filipino, his history, is central to my works.”

 

“Through his art, Diaz documents the lives of Filipinos and instigates that we demand for a better life. For this, I offer him my warmest congratulations,” Legarda concluded.