CIGNAL ENTERTAINMENT produced last year two local films, “Big Night” and “Resbak”, that won big at the 19th Asian Film Festival held at the Farnese Arthouse in Rome, Italy from April 7 to 13, 2022.
Deemed as one of the most significant exhibitions of Asian films in the world, the festival featured 30 films from Japan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and the Philippines.
Out of all the nominees from the eight participating countries, director Brillante Mendoza of Resbak was bestowed the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Roma Lazio Film Commission, while Christian Bables of Big Night! and Vince Rillon of Resbak (international title is Payback) won Best Actor.
Both Resbak (Payback) and Big Night! are produced by Cignal Entertainment and will be available on streaming platforms soon.
Directed by Mendoza, Resbak (Payback) follows the story of Isaac (played by Vince Rillon), a motorbike thief who gets rejected by his bosses when for he asks for their help after the police runs after him.
Isaac then plans vengeance against his boss. The cast also includes Khalil Ramos, Jay Manalo, Nash Aguas and Bibeth Orteza. It is set to be released soon.
Meanwhile, Big Night!, directed by Jun Robles Lana, is situated in present-day Philippines and tackles the country’s controversial war on drugs through the experiences of Dharna (Christian Bables), a gay beautician who is mistakenly placed on the current watchlist of drug users and traffickers.
Big Night! was the most-awarded film at the recent 2021 Metro Manila Film Festival, scoring big by winning the Best Actor, Best Director and Best Screenplay for Jun Lana, Best Supporting Actor for John Arcilla, Best Cinematography, Best Musical Score, and the Best Picture and Gender Sensitivity awards.
The big cast includes Gina Alajar, Ricky Davao, Nico Antonio, Lou Veloso and Eugene Domingo.
Cignal Entertainment continues to support and showcase fresh, relevant, and internationally appealing films that represent uniquely Filipino stories.
“Being recognized on the international stage by a prestigious institution further ignites our desire to continuously evolve and produce top-caliber movies.
"We thank the 19th Asian Film Festival for bestowing us such great honor and recognition. We also congratulate Director Brillante Mendoza, Christian Bables, Vince Rillon, and everyone who gave their utmost dedication into bringing Resbak (Payback) and Big Night! to life,” declares Cignal and TV5 CEO and President Robert P. Galang.
For more information on the winners of the 19th Asian Film Festival, visit www.asianfilmfestival.info/.