The Camera Obscura Artistic Excellence Award is the highest honor given by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) during the annual Film Ambassadors’ Night to films, filmmakers, and artists whose outstanding achievements and breakthroughs have positively inspired the Philippine film industry to aspire to greater heights.
This year’s three (3) awardees are given the highest honors for championing the continued growth of Philippine cinema in their own respective fields in the local and international film scenes.
Kidlat Tahimik was recently named as National Artist for Film and honored with the Prince Claus Award in Amsterdam for leading the movement for independent cinema in the country and making major contributions in visual arts and film.
Bianca Balbuena forged successful international co-productions and produced internationally recognized films, such as Lav Diaz’s Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis and Pepe Diokno’s Engkwentro. Recently named as the Producer of the Year at the Asian Film Commissions Network, she is being honored for her continued work in bridging the Philippines to the diverse filmmaking cultures in the world and giving opportunities to young and aspiring filmmakers.
Star Cinema’s romantic drama film The Hows of Us starring Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla and directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina will receive the Camera Obscura for making history in Philippine cinema by breaking the P800 million global box office record, making it the highest-grossing Filipino film to date and proving the competitive advantage of local films in the country.
“FDCP is so honored to award the Camera Obscura to Tay Kidlat, Bianca, and The Hows of Us because in addition to making 2018 such a great year for Philippine Cinema, they truly represent the best of the many sectors that make up our industry. They are such an inspiration,” FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño commented on this year’s awardees.
Aside from the Camera Obscura awardees, FDCP will give recognition to eighty-six (86) honorees who placed Philippine cinema on the world stage by winning in international film festivals in 2018. Awardees will be recognized during the Film Ambassadors’ Night on February 10 at SM Aura Premier Samsung Hall, Taguig City.
Samsung Hall is the event’s venue partner sponsored by Globe #PlayItRight, Fullhouse Asia Production Studios, Inc., Fire and Ice Productions, HEA Watches, and Sinag Maynila.