5 Internationally Awarded Filipino Movies That You Must Watch

This might sound biased, but honestly, Filipinos excel on the global stage. Filipinos are fueled with creativity, dedication, talent, and love for the country. 

Filipino movies inspire and motivate us. Winning an international award is also an indication that our Filipino film industry can do more and better. These movies carry the strong message and faith that we can overcome anything that  falls in our ways. These Pinoy pride movies will empower us and make us realize that everything happens for a reason. All we need to do is to keep moving and power through.

With the aim to empower you through films, we’ve listed down Pinoy movies to be proud of following their international awards and recognition.

  1. Metro Manila (2013)

Metro Manila won the Audience Award at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival and a Hamburg Film Critic Award from Filmfest Hamburg. The story is about a family that moves to Metro Manila,leaving behind their rice farming with aspirations of a brighter future. This movie is based on the true story of Reginald Chua who hijacked a passenger plane due to poverty. 

  1. Heaven’s Waiting (2018)

Lisang has been dead for two years and is waiting in purgatory, trying to let go of her past until she could join heaven. The story is about ex-lovers, played by Eddie Garcia and Gina Pareno, who meet again. But here’s the catch, they meet in purgatory. Hintayan ng Langit is a heartwarming film that will make you cry and realize that you need to live your life to the fullest. They won the Audience Choice Award and Best Screenplay at the 2018 QCinema International Film Festival. It also took home the Golden Sarmatian Lion Award (President’s Prize) from the 12th Orenburg International Film Festival in Russia.

  1. Pamilya Ordinaryo (2016)

Pamilya Ordinaryo is a movie about teenage parents who live on the street and are struggling to raise their child. This film will make you realize that a good mother will never abandon her child. She will do everything to get her child back. A mother’s love is unconditional. The filmmakers brought honor to the country when they won the Harlem International Film Festival, the Hanoi International Film Festival, and the Asia Pacific Screen Awards.

  1. BuyBust (2018)

BuyBust is an action-adventure movie about  a drug bust in a slum in Manila. Erick Matti’s film was nominated multiple times at the 2019 FAMAS Awards and grabbed the title Best Picture, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, and Best Music at the 2019 Gawad Urian Awards.

  1. Birdshot (2016)

This film is based on the true story of a farmer in Bukidnon who hunts an eagle. It stands out even among its more independent Filipino films because of its stunning cinematography. With pride and honor, Birdshot made a splash as a Filipino film that was nominated for an Academy Award. The character played by Mary Joy Apostol secured the Best Actress at the ASEAN Film Awards.

These are only some of the Filipino movies that garnered international recognition and accolades. Truly, Filipinos are capable of standing on the world stage. Which of these movies have you seen? What are you adding to your to-watch list?  Let’s support and empower Filipino movies! 

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