Internationally acclaimed film director Brillante “Dante” Mendoza made a homecoming of sorts to his home province Pampanga when he showcased four of his award winning films at SM City Pampanga Cinema 6. During the last five years, Dante has brought honor and fame to Pampanga and to the whole Philippines with the achievements of his movies in international film festivals.

Shown in the two-day event are Dante’s ground-breaking films – “Manoro,” “Kaleldo,” “Foster Child” and “Lola.” The Dante Mendoza film festival was held in celebration of the 10th anniversary of SM City Pampanga and coincided with the Pampanga Day festivities.

Brillante, who was honored last year in the My City, My SM Campaign, took time out from his busy schedule to talk about his films and answer questions from a new generation of film enthusiasts who were delighted to not only have the opportunity to view his films, but also learn about their nuances from the director himself.

“Lola” is the story of two elderly women (played by Anita Linda and Rustica Carpio) who bear the consequences of a crime involving their respective grandsons – one is the victim, and the other is the suspect.

“Lola” has won several awards (Best Film, Best Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Sound) from various international film festivals.

“Manoro” is the story of Jonalyn, a 12-year-old Aeta, who after graduating from elementary school teaches middle aged and elderly Aetas to read and write, thus enabling them to vote. “Manoro” received the Cinema Avvenir Award at the Torino Int’l film Festival in 2006, and Best Film, Best Director and Digital Lokal Awards at the Cinemanila Int’l Film Festival, also in 2006.

“Kaleldo” on the other hand, is the story of a motherless family after the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo and tells viewers that life, as depicted in the turn of events in the lives of the film’s characters, is as changeable and as volatile as the seasons. “Kaleldo” won the Netpac Award at the Jeonju Int’l Film Festival in 2007, Best Actress Award in the Durban Int’l Film Festival in 2006 and Best Film, Best Performer, Best Screenplay and Best Achievement in Cinematography Awards at the Young Critics Circle in 2005.

Incidentally, for her performance in the film “Lola,” veteran actress Anita Linda was named Best Actress in the recently concluded 54th Asia Pacific Film Festival held in Taipei, Taiwan. Anita Linda, who is now 85 years old, was not present at the awarding ceremony. Direk Dante received the trophy on her behalf. Mendoza thanked the organizers and the jury mentioning that it was the third international Best Actress trophy that Ms. Linda received for the same film. The audience roared in applause when Mendoza mentioned that she was already 85 years old.

Most of the awards were won by Taiwanese entries while the rest were won by Korea, Japan, and Iran. The Best Director and Best Film awards went to Malaysia (posthumous) and India, respectively.

Meanwhile, Chinese film legend Jackie Chan was given an award for his outstanding accomplishment in Asia Pacific Film Industry.

The star-studded awarding ceremony was held at the auditorium of the National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall and was televised live on national Taiwanese television network.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Dec. 27, go to Ms. City Sanchez, Johnny Go, Wham Ilagan, Anggie P. Henson, Tini Pili-Jacaria, Bryan Angeles, Jessica Valdez, John Ronald Robinsons, Ms. Lulu Lim Lee, Carlo Sarino, and John Erick P. Magno… Happy wedding anniversary to Dr. and Mrs. Gavino Santiago…