The award is handed out annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to full-length feature films produced outside the United States that contains primarily non-English dialogue. The six other films that included the shortlist contenders were Brillante Ma. Mendoza’s “Taklub” and Carlitos Siguinon-Reyna’s “Hari ng Tondo.”
Mel Chionglo is head of the committee tasked to pick the Philippine representative to the Oscars, and its members include actors Lorna Tolentino and Michael de Mesa, cinematographer Lee Meiley, directors Joe Carreon and Boy Vinarao, and academician Rolando Tolentino.
Chionglo said that while there were others considered “equally worthy of being our Oscar representative,” he pointed out that the committee members were “almost unanimous” in choosing “Heneral Luna” because “it is very good—very well directed and acted,” Chionglo stressed.
In an interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Chionglo emphasized the more relevant points of the film; “Never mind the alleged aggressive personality of Luna, this film shows the courage of Filipinos to fight for their freedom. This shows a positive picture of the Filipino. It depicts values that we think should appeal internationally.”
Chionglo added: “Luna was supposed to have been a great general. What the film is telling its viewers is that it is also important to look at our past, especially those of our real-life heroes and of what they have done for the country.”
"Heneral Luna" has recently enjoyed its second successfully smashing week. The film almost was not able to screen for a second week in Iloilo theaters. But a strong public demand was able to spark the Pinoy heroic epic back into screens. Now, the revolution continues as "Heneral Luna" is extended on its well-deserved third screening week.
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