The award-winning movie "Song of the Fireflies" received the Platinum Remi Award at the 58th WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival, an independent film festival in the United States.
“Song of the Fireflies,” which tells the origin story of the world-renowned Loboc Children’s Choir, had a sold-out screening at Houston’s Cinemark Memorial City last May 1.
Lead star Morissette Amon, who plays the choir’s founder and conductor Alma Taldo, was nominated for Best Actress, alongside Suzana Piers of “Cancer with Virgo Rising” from Brazil, and Devin Sidell of “Love, Danielle” from the USA.
“Song of the Fireflies” is Amon's first movie project.
During the awarding ceremony held at Houston’s River Oaks Theater, actress-producer Rachel Alejandro (who plays LCC benefactor Equet Butalid in the film) and co-producer Girlie Rodis personally received the Platinum Remi Award in recognition for its “(global) excellence in theatrical filmmaking and musical storytelling.”
According to Alejandro, the audience at thescreening was composed of Filipinos and different nationalities. “They super loved the film,” the singer-actress said.
Jing Adia, a Filipina based in Texas, thanked producers Culturtain Musicat Productions and MQuest Ventures, as she described the movie as a “lovely tribute to all unsung heroes who make a difference in children’s lives.”
Adia gave special mention to Alejandro, whose father, OPM legend Hajji Alejandro, passed away a few days before the film fest. “My total respect and admiration for Rachel for being gracious and brave, and for honoring (her) father and continuing his legacy even at this very difficult time,” she said.
“Song of the Fireflies” was delayed for four years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an earthquake and a strong typhoon. Its world premiere at the Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) in Hollywood was also postponed because of the wildfires in Los Angeles.
When the MIFF pushed through last March, the movie won five awards.
“Song of the Fireflies” is set to be the first ever Filipino film to be featured at the Italian Contemporary Film Festival (ICFF) Lavazza Inclusity Festival to be held in Toronto, Canada on July 20.
The film will open in Philippine cinemas on June 25.
'Song of the Fireflies' team grateful for win in MIFF
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