Director Carl Joseph Papa (center) along with producers Dan Villegas and Antoinette Jadaone —MARINEL CRUZ
The decision to select Carl Joseph Papa’s animated film “Iti Mapukpukaw” as the Philippines’ representative to the 2024 Academy Awards was the outcome of a comprehensive two-hour discussion, revealed Jose Javier Reyes, the chair of the selection committee. “Iti Mapukpukaw,” which won Best Film at the 2023 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival in August, was chosen based on three significant factors: originality of content, universal and profound themes, and representation of Filipino values that foreign audiences can connect with, explained Reyes, who is an acclaimed director and writer in the film and television industry.
The Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) is responsible for selecting one film from the releases of 2023 to submit to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Ampas) for consideration in the Best International Feature Film category, stated FAP acting officer in charge Manny Morfe. The six-member selection committee initially chose seven films, which were later narrowed down to three, Morfe reported. “Ultimately, the committee debated between the top two contenders,” he shared. “They based their discussion on whether we had previously sent a film with a similar theme and if the story would resonate with a foreign audience or if the film’s producer would be capable of campaigning for a nomination.” Reyes added, “The other five members were very passionate about their preferred Oscar representative for the Philippines. It turned into a heated debate between the two films that lasted for two and a half hours. The final vote was split 3:2.”
“Iti Mapukpukaw” is a Filipino-Ilocano rotoscope animated film that follows the story of Eric (Carlo Aquino), whose life takes unexpected twists and turns with the arrival of a familiar alien and the death of his uncle. Both events compel Eric to confront his past and unravel his memories. The film also features Dolly de Leon as Eric’s mother and Gio Gahol as his best friend. Producers Dan Villegas and Antoinette Jadaone financed the film under their production company, Project 8 Projects.
While the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) announced that it will provide P1 million to aid in the promotion of the film, Reyes acknowledged that producers lobbying for an Oscar nomination typically spend over $2 million (approximately P113.5 million). “It’s a battle of marketing. We’re being realistic about it. Where can we find a producer willing to invest $2 million in campaigning for a film without any guarantee of a nomination? We need to strategize,” expressed Reyes during a media briefing held during the 2023 Philippine Film Industry Month closing ceremony. “This requires government support. We need to develop a long-term plan. That’s the challenge—we don’t have a plan. It took Korea decades before they achieved ‘Parasite’ winning Best Picture and Best Director. We need to look ahead and prepare for the future,” emphasized Reyes, who also serves as a technical consultant for the FDCP. “We will see what happens. I’m hopeful, but not desperate. The important thing is that we sent something remarkable.”
Meanwhile, Papa revealed that he poured his heart and soul into making the film for its Cinemalaya premiere, never anticipating that it would be considered for the Oscars. “This is truly an honor. I have already discussed it with the actors, Carlo and Gio, and they are eager and ready to be part of the journey.” Jadaone expressed her happiness with the news, stating that she had yet to speak with De Leon personally about their plans. “But I was informed that she was overjoyed with the news because she genuinely prayed for ‘Iti Mapukpukaw’ to be chosen. We will consult with her since she has more experience from campaigning for ‘Triangle of Sadness’ last year,” Jadaone added. De Leon was part of the cast of Swedish director Ruben Ostlund’s “Triangle of Sadness,” which received nominations in three categories at the 2023 Academy Awards: Best Motion Picture of the Year, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Directing. The film won the Palme d’Or at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival and earned De Leon a Best Supporting Actress nomination at the 2023 BAFTA Film Awards.
Villegas expressed gratitude for the financial assistance from the FDCP, but acknowledged the need for further support. “We need all the help we can get. It’s about connecting and collaborating with the right people to secure that nomination. As Tonet mentioned, this victory goes beyond one film; it is a victory for the entire film industry. We are currently seeking generous individuals who are willing to contribute,” he stated. “We plan to hold a meeting for coordination. We already have a shortlist of potential individuals we can ask for help. Hopefully, they will say ‘yes.’ We feel a mixture of happiness, excitement, fear, nervousness, and overwhelm. Rest assured, we will not let this opportunity go to waste. We will do everything in our power to secure that nomination,” concluded Villegas.
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