Legarda Files Reso Commending Lav Diaz, Charo Santos for Golden Lion Win in Venice

Senator Loren Legarda today filed Proposed Senate Resolution No. 144 commending and congratulating the cast and production crew of the film Ang Babaeng Humayo (The Woman Who Left) led by its director, independent filmmaker Lav Diaz and actor Ms. Charo Santos-Concio, for winning the Golden Lion for Best Film award at the 73^rd Venice International Film Festival.

“As the first Philippine film to win the top prize at the oldest and one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, this latest victory serves as a concrete testament to the artistry and excellence of Filipino independent filmmakers and actors,” said Legarda.

“Congratulations to Lav Diaz for winning the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival! He has brought great pride not only to the Philippines but also to the region. I also commend everyone behind the film, including lead actress, Charo Santos-Concio, who has, once again, showcased mastery of her craft,” Legarda added.

Ang Babaeng Humayo was written and directed by Diaz, and produced by Cinema One Originals and Sine Olivia Pilipinas. Aside from Santos-Concio, other actors in the film are Michael De Mesa, Cacai Bautista, Shamaine Buencamino, Nonie Buencamino and John Lloyd Cruz.

Among the 20 entries in the In Competition category of the 73rd Venice International Film Festival, Ang Babeng Humayo is the only film from Asia.

The film, inspired by Leo Tolstoy’s literary piece, “God Sees the Truth, But Waits” and revolving around the story of a wrongly convicted schoolteacher who seeks revenge, is described by the director as an existential discourse depicting “prison as a metaphor for the curse of living or life as a metaphor for prison.”