Heneral Luna has been chosen as the Philippines’ entry to the 88th Academy Awards.
The historical film will compete in the Best Foreign Language Film category of the Academy Awards, better known as the Oscars.
The Oscar selection was made by the Film Academy of the Philippines.
John Arcilla depicted the life and death of General Antonio Luna in this period film set against the backdrop of the Philippine-American War.
Heneral Luna also stars Joem Bascon, Archie Alemania, Alex Medina, Mon Confiado, Nonie Buencamio, Arron Villaflor, Epy Quizon, Art Acuna, Jun-Jun Quintana, Mylene Dizon, Bing Pimentel, with the special participation of Paulo Avelino.
Jerrold Tarog directed this movie, which is graded A by the Cinema Evaluation Board.
The CEB describes Heneral Luna as follows:
“Easily the most consummately done film we have seen this year. An impressive, compelling historical drama that, unlike others of this genre, looks history straight in the eye. HENERAL LUNA is a war epic that succeeds in putting an emotional and dramatic patina to a critical period of Philippine history. The film quickly catches fire and passionately unfolds, and then ends in a mesmerizing, dynamic climax. Excellent script, cinematography and performances. The main cast was brilliant—everyone was exceptional, with special mention going to John Arcilla who managed to bring Antonio Luna to life on the big screen. Director Jerrold Tarog masterfully and skillfully handled his material. The producers should be commended for making this significant film. This movie truly deserves an A.”
Favorable reviews from critics and moviegoers alike have helped the film maintain its momentum in the box office even as some theaters pulled it out during its second week.
Produced by Artikulo Uno Productions, this film opened in Philippine cinemas last September 9.
The announcement of the film being chosen for the 2016 Oscars coincides with the upcoming theatrical release of Heneral Luna in the United States in October/November 2015.
Executive producers Fernando Ortigas and Eduardo A. Rocha sent this statement to PEP.ph regarding this achievement:
“We are both overjoyed by this great news. There are no words for the tremendous pride and honor that we feel, with the film being chosen to officially represent our country to the Oscars. In a way, it’s most fitting, because this film celebrates us all as a nation, in the richest and most complex of ways. With the movie-going public coming behind us, and now this, there is very little to nothing that we can complain about. Sure, it would help if the movie made all its money back soon. But what we have right now is something that not even money can buy. And for this we are most grateful.”
(To read movie review of Heneral Luna, CLICK HERE)