A Filipino film – Neo-Lounge, directed by Joanna Vasquez-Arong – won the Best Documentary Film award in the 34th Brussels International Independent Film Festival (BIIFF).
The awarding ceremonies were held on November 11 at the Centre Culturel Jacques Franck, Brussels, according to Philippine Ambassador to Brussels Cristina G. Ortega.
Neo-Lounge portrays the effects of the outbreak of SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) on peoples’ lives.
Director Vasquez-Arong authored several documentaries on China. She worked with a non-government organization (NGO) while pursuing her career as a filmmaker.
Another Filipino film, Foster Child was also featured in the festival. It was not included in the selection because its director, Brillante Mendoza, was a member of the filmfest’s international jury.
Twelve 12 other entries from India, Turkey, Thailand, Canada, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Morocco were also featured in the film festival.
The BIIFF, which started in 1974, provides excellent international exposure for Filipino artists and filmmakers’ talents. Last year, Gina Pareo bagged the best actress award for the film Kubrador.
Robert Malengreau, the film fest’s director, has been supporting independent Philippine films since the 1980s.
At the 9th Cinemanila International Film Festival held in August 2007, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo conferred on Malengreau a Lifetime Achievement Award for his significant contribution to the development and promotion of independent Philippine films in Europe.