An award-winning Ilocano filmmaker is creating a buzz in the national and global film industry once again.
The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) has named Mr. Mark Lucas Moneda, a resident of Barangay 10 in Laoag City, as one of its 77 film ambassadors this year, bringing the total number of awardees to nearly 400 in six years.
The 6th Film Ambassador’s Night held on February 27 at the Manila Metropolitan Theater aims to honor the films and filmmakers that gave pride to the Philippines in the previous year, especially those that competed and screened internationally.
“Miss You, George!,” a story set during the height of the pandemic in which the protagonist strives to catch up with his “long-distance” friend who works as a medical frontliner, earned Moneda recognition in the short film category.
The short film, which put Moneda in the limelight, won the championship award at QCinema International Film Festival in May 2021; received the “Best Short Film,” “Jury Awards,” and “Audience Choice Award,” and was nominated for “Best Actor,” “Best Director,” and “Best Performance of the Festival” at the International Film Festival Manhattan Spring 2021; and was an official selection for the World Health Organization’s 2021 Health For All Film Fest in Switzerland.
“Dreams do come true… I truly consider this as by far the main highlight of my entire filmmaking career. Maraming salamat po sa pagkilala at sa pagpapahalaga. It was a humbling experience sharing the stage with the most celebrated filmmakers, actors, and celebrities in the industry that I look up to,” Moneda wrote on his Facebook.
Moreover, Moneda was proud to wear his inabel attire at the 6th Film Ambassador’s Night, saying, “It was also an honor to ‘wear’ my Ilocano identity on this event as I dedicate this achievement to my province, Ilocos Norte, and my fellow Ilocano filmmakers.”
Currently, the sequel to “Miss You, George!” titled “See You, George!” is also bagging awards, including Best Short Film, Best Director and Best Screenplay at the Sorok Short Film Festival 2021; Best Director, Best Editing and Cong. Shirlyn Bañas Award at the Sundayag Film Festival 2021; and an official selection at the Cinema Rehiyon 2022.
Moneda also actively participates in PGIN-sponsored film competitions, where his entries have received multiple awards, notably the “Ang Mga Nawalang Pag-asa at Panlasa,” “Brad,” “Areglo,” and “Sinapupunan. (Irene Ringor)
(Source: Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte)