​’Anino sa Likod ng Buwan’ wins big in a Russia film fest, LJ Reyes is Best Actress

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Filipino film Anino sa Likod ng Buwan (Shadow Behind the Moon) wins high praise at the 13th Pacific Meridian Film Festival in Vladivostok, Russia.

Anino sa Likod ng Buwan collected the Best Director award for Jun Robles Lana, Best Actress nod for LJ Reyes, the Best Asian Film by Netpac (Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema) and the International Critics Prize from Fipresci (International Federation of Film Critics).

 

That’s me getting a hug from actress Julia Ormond, with Academy Award-winning director Regis Wargnier looking on!  “Four prizes were awarded to SHADOW BEHIND THE MOON by director Jun Robles Lana – a three-actor single-shot chamber drama unfolding against the background of the early 90s military historic hostilities in the Philippines. The jury obviously appreciated both the strong dramatic concept and the author’s ingenuity which is why it conferred the best director prize on it. The second award went to the actress of the film LJ Reyes – her role didn’t only imply a steep character arc but also a certain kind of relaxedness to play in a ten-minute sex scene. NETPAC – the organization to promote Asian films – and FIPRESCI jury also handed their prizes to the talented Filipino. There’s no doubt that being recognized by three reputable expert teams at the same time is worth its weight in gold.” #pacificmeredian #pacificmeredian2015 #filmfestival

A photo posted by Jun Robles Lana (@junrobleslana) on Sep 19, 2015 at 2:23am PDT

“My mind went blank when they called my name. The next thing I knew I was on stage receiving the best director award from jury member and Academy Award winning director Regis Wargnier and getting a hug from actress Julia Ormond. Surreal!” Direk Jun said on his Instagram page, along with a collage of photos from the event.

Meanwhile, Kapuso actress LJ Reyes was recognized for her “brave and fearless performance in depicting a very complex character that has enabled the director to fulfil a most ambitious vision.”

On her Instagram page, LJ, who was unable to attend the awarding ceremonies, said she burst into tears after hearing the news. 

“This project was very challenging for me in so many ways. When I accepted it, it was I believe very far from my abilities,” LJ shared.

“I remember that meeting in a hotel with Direk when I told him ‘Direk ikaw na bahala sa akin!’ This film, my character Emma, pushed me beyond my limits and challenged me as an actor,” she added.

 

Last night, I got a message from Direk Jun, an update of the awards night. He was very excited to tell me “… We have won 3 awards so far…. Including BEST ACTRESS!!!!!! …”! And I think it was the first time I burst out in tears!!!! This project was very challenging for me in so many ways. When I accepted it, it was I believe very far from my abilities. I remember that meeting in a hotel with Direk when I told him “Direk ikaw na bahala sakin!”. This film, my character Emma, pushed me beyond my limits and challenged me as an actor. Direk @junrobleslana, maraming maraming salamat sa tiwala!!!! Sa lahat ng staff at crew salamat sa pagaalaga. Para sa ating lahat ang panalong ito! And of course, all the praises and glory belong to the One above! Thank You Lord soooobraaaaaa!!!!!! Da best ka!!!!

A photo posted by LJ Reyes (@lj_reyes) on Sep 19, 2015 at 4:39am PDT

Anino is about a husband and wife who were “internal refugees” in the Marag Valley in the 1990s. At that time, the Philippine government launched several military operations as it was believed to be the seat of the communist government. 

Also featuring Luis Alandy and Anthony Falcon, the film unfolds in a single uninterrupted sequence, which Interaksyon.com reports, includes a 10-minute sex scene.

Anino is presented in 4:3 aspect ratio. It was shot in HD, converted to VHS, and then converted back to digital.