‘Song of the Fireflies’ wins Platinum Award at Houston International Film Festival
Rachel Alejandro (left) and co-producer Girlie Rodis accept the Platinum Remi Award for “Song of the Fireflies” at the 58th WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival. Contributed photo.
The Filipino musical film “Song of the Fireflies” has won the Platinum Remi Award at the 58th WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival, one of the highest plums given by the award-giving body.
The film, which had a sold-out screening on May 1 at Cinemark Memorial City in Houston, was recognized for “its excellence in theatrical filmmaking and musical storytelling.”
Actress-producer Rachel Alejandro and co-producer Girlie Rodis received the honors at the awards ceremony held at the River Oaks Theater over the weekend.
“They super loved the film,” Alejandro said about the Houston audience. Alejandro plays Equet Butalid, a key supporter of the Loboc Children’s Choir, whose story is brought to life in the film.
Texas-based Filipina film advocate Jing Adia described the film as a “lovely tribute to all unsung heroes who make a difference in children’s lives” as she also expressed admiration for Alejandro, who attended the event days after the death of her father, singer Hajji Alejandro.
Morissette Amon, who made her acting debut as choir founder and conductor Alma Taldo, was one of three nominees for the festival’s Best Actress, which eventually went to Suzana Piers of Brazil’s “Cancer with Virgo Rising.”
“Song of the Fireflies” is set to continue its festival run and will be the first Filipino film featured at the Italian Contemporary Film Festival (ICFF) Lavazza Inclusivity Festival in Toronto on July 20.
After its initial premiere at the Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) in Hollywood, where it won five awards, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Amon, the film is set to debut in Philippine cinemas on June 25.
The cast also includes Krystal Brimner, Chai Fonacier, Via Antonio, Cai Cortez, Alex Medina, and the Loboc Children’s Choir, with special appearances by Jeffrey Hidalgo and Geneva Cruz.
