ABS-CBN's Chief Content Officer Charo Santos-Concio and box-office film actor John Lloyd Cruz are currently in Venice, Italy for the world premiere of Ang Babaeng Humayo.
The film, which was shot entirely in black and white, is helmed by internationally renowned Filipino director Lav Diaz.
He previously worked with John Lloyd for Hele Sa Hiwagang Hapis (international title: A Lullaby to the Sorrowful Mystery) which also starred Piolo Pascual, Cherie Gil, Angel Aquino, and many others.
Direk Lav's new film (international title: The Woman Who Left) is the only Asian film included in the 73rd Venice International Film Festival main competition.
Venezia 73 started last August 31 and will culminate on September 10, 2016.
In Ang Babaeng Humayo, Charo plays Horacia Somorostro, who was wrongfully sent to prison for 30 years.
She finds out the her friend and cellmate, Petra (Shamaine Buencamino) and her ex-boyfriend Rodrigo (Michael de Mesa) were involved in her imprisonment.
When she is freed, Horacia plans her revenge against those who wronged her.
The film—which runs for over 3 hours, 46 minutes—is considered a modern re-telling of Leo Tolstoy's 1872 short story God Sees The Truth, But Waits.
Ang Babang Humayo had its world premiere in Venice last September 9 and foreign film critics have already shared their thoughts about this film produced by Cinema One Originals and Sine Olivia.
Clarence Tsui of The Hollywood Reporter describes the film as "a succinct, poignant revenge drama." The film critic pointed out that the Pinoy film is "immensely immersive and engaging."
In fact, he predicts that the Lav Diaz film will "pick up a few prizes" in the Venice IFF.
"It’s a powerful, thoughtful melodrama that pulls you into its world and delivers a number of irresistible emotional coups," Jonathan Romney wrote for his review published on entertainment website Screendaily.
Meanwhile, Guy Lodge of The Variety said Lav Diaz's "supersized opus" is a "powerful, refreshingly contained moral study."
All three film critics also lauded Lav Diaz's cinematography with Jonathan noting the "beautifully sharp chiaroscuro" effect in some scenes of the film.
Both John Lloyd and Charo were commended for their excellent acting in this film.
John Lloyd has been commended for his excellent portrayal of Hollanda, an abused transgender who sought refuge Horacia and became a good friend.
Meanwhile, Screendaily lauded Charo's acting skills after her 17-year hiatus. Jonathan observed: "She shows a phenomenal range of shading as the elusive, changeful Horacia, as well as an imposing but gentle authority."
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