Filmmakers Don Josephus Rafael Eblahan and Martika Ramirez Escobar shone at the recently-concluded Sundance Film Festival 2022.
Eblahan’s “The Headhunter’s Daughter” won the Short Film Grand Jury Prize, while Escobar’s “Leonor Will Never Die” was awarded A World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award: Innovative Spirit.
“The Headhunter’s Daughter,” written and directed by Eblahan (“Hilum” and “Umbilical Cord to Heaven”), is about an aspiring country singer from an indigenous group in the Cordilleras, played by Ammin Acha-ur, who auditions for a singing contest in Baguio City.
“Leonor Will Never Die” is the directorial debut of Escobar. In it, Sheila Francisco plays retired filmmaker Leonor Reyes.
Said Escobar of her film: “Not so long ago, a famous action star with no background in law and governance became the 13th President of the Philippines. I was six years old then and as a young girl, it felt natural for somebody famous to get elected. Today, decades later, after having two more ‘action star’ presidents, I find myself questioning this absurd reality and am surprised by how easy it can be understood once I place it in parallel with our love for movies.”
The Sundance Film Festival was founded by actor-director Robert Redford in 1981. It was held virtually from January 20-30 for the second year to give access to anyone from all over the world.
