Filipino actor John Arcilla received the Camera Obscura Excellence Award, the highest honor bestowed by the 2022 Film Ambassador’s Night (FDCP) for exceptional films or individuals who blazed new trails in various fields of cinema at the majestic Metropolitan Theater last February 27.
John Arcilla was fully present to accept his Camera Obscura Award, which he dedicated to his family, project colleagues, industry mentors, and those who helped him win the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the highly regarded Venice Film Festival.
“An actor is a mirror of everything that is happening within and outside him. An actor’s work is a reflection of everything that surrounds him. A film should entertain and liberate minds. Nawa po ay patuloy tayong gumawa ng mga pelikula na lalong magpapakilala sa makulay na kultura at kasaysayan ng Pilipinas sa mundo, upang makita nila iyong sinasabi ko na hindi tayo naiiba sa kanila,” Arcilla said as he expressed his gratitude to the industry.
His film On the Job: The Missing 8 (OJT) was also awarded the Camera Obscura, which was accepted by producer Dondon Monteverde, who also spoke briefly about their OJT journey and thanked their director Erik Matti and their world-class actors.
Filmmakers, performers, artists, film workers, members of the media, and supportive friends and family gathered for a night of cultural pride at the 6th edition of the Film Ambassadors’ Night, hosted by the FDCP after the award ceremony was held virtually in 2021 due to the pandemic.
On stage, the 77 new Film Ambassadors were honored for their success in connecting Filipino talents to the world and showcasing quality and worthwhile films in the global cinema scene.
FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño welcomed guests remarking, “It is truly incredible to be able to celebrate in hybrid and in person for the first time in the last two years. I can’t tell you how amazing it is to finally meet all of you personally and hear your stories of challenges, of coping, and of creating amazing stories out of all kinds of inspiration.”
There were 25 honorees for the Short Film category, 9 for documentaries, 2 creative awards, 7 actors, 3 directors, 9 feature films, and 2 special citations were awarded and given their well-deserved moment.
Among the notable celebrities and distinguished names in the industry who graced the event were Glaiza de Castro, Janine Gutierrez, Snooky Serna, Director Khavn de la Cruz and Director Joel Lamangan.
This sixth Film Ambassadors’ Night was made possible by a collaboration with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).
NCCA Chairperson Arsenio “Nick” Lizaso expressed his heartfelt congratulations to the FDCP and all who contribute to the nation’s art and culture in a short video message of support. FDCP also collaborated with CMB Film Services to provide technical facilities and crew for the grand celebration. Ice Seguerra, a singer-songwriter and film and event director, directed the event.
The 6th Film Ambassadors’ Night will be broadcast exclusively on the FDCP Channel on Saturday, March 12, 2022, at 8 p.m. Keep an eye on the Film Development Council of the Philippines’ social media pages for access and instructions.
Photo Credit: https://fdcp.ph/updates/fdcps-film-ambassadors-night-returns-physical-attendance-new-film-ambassadors-grace-newly, web.facebook.com/JohnArcillaOfficial
Source: https://fdcp.ph/
