The Filipino short film Imago starring character actress Ruby Ruiz and directed by Raymund Ribay Gutierrez bagged the Best International Short Film at the 41st Toronto International Film Festival.
The Pinoy filmmaker will receive a certification along with $10,000 cash prize for this triumph.
The citation for Imago reads: "Some films are not easy to watch. But it's a beautiful thing to find a filmmaker who has a daring voice. We feel that with this movie we witnessed a bold, cinematic statement, and we cannot wait to see what features this director will give to the world."
The short film follows the story of Inday (Ruby Ruiz), a single parent to a special child, who goes to her unusual work every night and looks for "customers" to offer funeral services.
Raymund was unable to personally receive his award in Canada "due to unexpected circumstances."
Shorts Cut programmer Kanthleen McInnis received the award on behalf of the Filipino filmmaker. The awards night was held last Sunday, September 18, at the TIFF Bell Lightbox in Toronto, Canada.
Kathleen read Raymund's short message to thank everyone who supported him through the entire journey.
His speech reads: "To the visionary Shorts Cut jury, thank you for the recognition you gave for the film. To the film enthusiasts and the people of Toronto, I wish I'm present to answer all of your questions and thoughts regarding the film which I would've loved doing.
"From the bottom of my heart, I'm very happy to hear the news which I can't express precisely in words as this is my first film. I really would love to attend the festival but due to unexpected circumstances, I was not able to make it.
"I would like to thank also my film mentor Brillante Mendoza and script consultant Mr. Armando 'Bing' Lao for all the advice. Thank you for my family for the support, my friends for the experience."
Raymund also noted on his speech that he hopes this film will inspire others to continue making a difference.
Kathleen continued reading his message, "I've made a film about the people striving to survive, doing things just to make ends meet, real stories about real human beings which is depressing.
"As a storyteller, I can only do so much. I know to change existing issues, it will take a lifetime but I hope, at least for now, this can make a difference for the people who can do something."
The 23-year-old director ended his speech by dedicating his win to struggling artists like himself and also to the Filipino people.
He was quoted saying, "To all the struggling filmmakers around the world including myself, I know the problems dealing with money, time, and opportunity. But let's just always to our best and God will do the rest.
"I share this award for the entire struggling artists and for all of Filipino people. Congrats again to everyone, let's continue to make films to inspire."
Meanwhile, romantic-comedy musical La La Land starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling and directed by Damien Chazelle won the top prize at the 2016 Toronto Film Fest, making it a front-runner for the Academy Awards happening in February 2017.
Here is the list of winners at the TIFF 2016:
Dropbox Discovery Programme Filmmakers Award - Jeffrey, Yanillys Perez
Best Canadian Short Film - Mutants, Alexandre Dostie
Best Internationa Short Film - Imago, Raymund Ribay Gutierrez
City of Toronto Award for Best Canadian First Feature - Old Stone (Lao shi), Johnny Ma
Canada Goose Award for Best Canadian Feature Film - Those Who Make Revolution Halfway Only Dig Their Own Graves, Mathieu Denis and Simon Lavoie
Fipresci Prizes of the International Federation of Film Critics for Discovery - Kati Kati, Mbithi Masya
Fipresci Prizes of the International Federation of Film Critics for Special Presentations - I Am Not Madame Bovary, Feng Xiaogang
Network for Promotion of Asian Pacific Cinema Award - In Between, Maysaloun Hamoud Toronto
Platform Prize - Jackie, Pablo Larran
Grolsch People’s Choice Awards for Midnight Madness - Free Fire, Ben Wheatley
Grolsch People’s Choice Awards for Documentary - I Am Not Your Negro, Raoul Peck
People’s Choice - La La Land, Damien Chazelle
Watch the film festival's awarding cerenomy below: