Pauwi Na wins Best Feature Film in Shanghai Filmfest

MANILA, Philippines - Paulo Villaluna (left, with Cherry Pie Picache and Bembol Roco) received the Golden Goblet trophy for Best Feature Film for Pauwi Na (Pedicab) in the 20th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) during the awarding ceremonies held in Shanghai Grand Theater on June 25, beating 13 other finalists.

The film was cited “for the humanism and universality of the story, for the simplicity of the style and realization, for the non-conformism with which it represented our desire to believe that there is a sense in this universe.”

Other winners: Iran’s Yellow, directed by Mostafa Taghizad’h, Jury Grand Prix; Romania’s Fault Condition by Catalin Saizescu, Outstanding Artistic Achievement; Poland’s Maciej Pieprzyca, Best Director (I’m A Killer); and Ivan Bolotnikov, Best Screenplay for Kharms (Russia/Lithuania/Macedonia).

The seven-man jury is headed by Romanian director Christian Mungiu, a 2007 Palm d’Or awardee and 2016 Best Director in Cannes Film Festival.

Written by Villaluna and Ellen Ramos, Pauwi Na won several awards at the 1st ToFarm Film Festival: Jury Special Award for Outstanding Film, Best Actress (Picache), Best Actor (Roco), Best Story and Best Editing (Villaluna and Ramos), and Best Production Design (Mau Fadul).

The 20th SIFF scored a record high of 2,528 film entries from 106 countries and regions, 400 of which were showcased and screened in the 10-day annual event.