(Eagle News) – CEBSI Films’ “Kapayapaan Sa Gitna ng Digmaan” (Peace in the Midst of War), a historical drama celebrating the triumph of love and faith in God set in the tumultuous era of before, during and after World War II, bagged six major awards at the recently concluded 2019 Singkuwento International Film Festival Manila Philippines (SIFFMP).
The six major awards included the much coveted Jury Award, the Best Actor award for lead actor Richard Quan, the Audience Choice Award, the Best Original Musical Score, Best Costume Design, and Best Hair and Make-up.
The Awards Night was held on February 22, at the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in Intramuros, Manila.
The entry from CEBSI Films is a true to life story of civilian Japanese officer, Yoshiaki Moto (played by multi-awarded actor Quan), who fell in love and married a Filipina, Felicidad (played by commercial model and actress Celina Talavera), before the war.
Their love was tested by the cruelty of war, by racial difference, by one’s patriotism to country, but with the help of their faith in God as Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) members, they endured all these trials even when war broke out.
The film’s director, Nestor Malgapo Jr., said that the success of the film was aleady a “bonus” as they already felt much happiness when the film was allowed for release.
“Ang lahat ng tagumpay, pagkilala at karangalan na nakakamit natin ay itinuturing nating karangalan ng Iglesia at kapurihan sa ating Panginoong Diyos (The victories, recognition and honor that we are receiving, we consider as bringing honor for the Church and all for God’s glory),” Malgapo said in his speech during the awards night.
He said the “best award” was already given to them by God while the film was being made, and after they finished the film.
Malgapo said that they were also happy to achieve their ultimate goal which was to entertain the viewing public while at the same time imparting Christian values and strengthening the faith of the brethren. The film was also a way for more people to know the true way of serving God, he said.
Malgapo said this was their motivation in making good films.
Quan, who is also a member of the INC, said that the message of the film, “Kapayapaan sa Gitna ng Digmaan,” is more important than the award he got for Best Actor.
“We want the message of our film to get across to as many people as we can,” he said.