Morissette starrer 'Song of the Fireflies' wins at US film festival

MANILA, Philippines, November 12 ------ “Song of the Fireflies,” the musical film based on the true story of the Loboc Children’s Choir, has won the Best International Feature Audience Award at the Newport Beach Film Festival in the United States. The movie, starring singer Morissette, tied with the German film “Köln 75,” a biopic about American pianist Keith Jarrett. “What a blessing to wake up to such wonderful news!” said “Song of the Fireflies” executive producer Celeste Legaspi.

This latest feat is a continuation of the film's journey that began last March at the Manila International Film Festival, where "Song of the Fireflies" swept the awards with five trophies. The Newport Beach Filmfest Best International Feature Award is a boost to the campaign of “Song of the Fireflies” for the Golden Globes.

Golden Globes hopes

Last month, production company Culturtain Musicat submitted the Morisette-starrer to the Golden Globes for consideration in the following motion picture categories: Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language, Best Director (for King Palisoc), Best Screenplay (for Sarge Lacuesta), Best Original Song (for "Alitaptap”), Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama (for Morissette), and Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture (for Rachel Alejandro).

In a Facebook post, the makers of “Song of the Fireflies” thanked those who have been helping them bring to the world the inspiring story of how devoted teacher Alma Taldo (played by Morissette) guided rural children to global acclaim.

The producers expressed gratitude particularly to partner MQuest Ventures, the Department of Tourism and DOT Secretary Christina Frasco, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, the Quezon City Film Commission, and many more individuals and organizations. “Song of the Fireflies” was screened in two cinemas in Newport Beach, thanks to the support of the Filipino community, the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles, and the Department of Tourism. “We relied on friends to spread the word,” said Rachel, who plays the Loboc Children’s Choir patron Equet Butalid in the movie. “The sold-out screenings and the award would not be possible if not for them, especially those who live out of state but bought tickets or invited their families to watch,” she added.

More international screenings

Rachel and executive producer Girlie Rodis attended the screenings, as well as the after-party, where Rachel sang her late father Hajji Alejandro’s award-winning song “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika” accompanied by the US-based Malaya Dance Arts, who also performed a "Pandango sa Ilaw" dance. Their illuminating performances complemented the movie’s theme of being a light in the world.

Next stops for “Song of the Fireflies” are Hollywood, where a screening for the Golden Globes members was held last November 13, and in Blacktown, Sydney, where Boholano and Friends Australia has organized a screening on November 22. “The Newport Beach Film Festival is an important stop for Oscar and Golden Globe hopefuls because the films that are in the Official Selection are usually the ones that have won awards throughout the year and are seen to be top contenders,” Rachel said.

No other Filipino film has ever been nominated at the Golden Globes, but this is not stopping the “Song of the Fireflies” team from hoping to get nods from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. “As Nelson Mandela famously said, ‘It always seems impossible until it is done.’… We pray this coming year, our film breaks the glass ceiling and that we manifest what I see so clearly in my mind’s eye: Live on the Beverly Hilton stage, broadcasted all over the globe, The Loboc Children’s Choir with our teenage leads, Noel Comia Jr. and Krystal Brimner, singing with angelic voices the main theme of our film, ‘Alitaptap,’ music by National Artist Ryan Cayabyab and words by Sarge Lacuesta,” Rachel said.

“When that moment happens, I see myself looking to the heavens and dedicating all of it to my Dad, whose legacy has been to bring joy to people everywhere through his artistry and to uplift Original Pilipino Music. That would be such a proud moment for all of us, right?” she added.

Source: philstar.com