“WE had a ten-minute standing ovation during the official screening,” Robbie Tan excitedly told us via text message about the reaction to “Foster Child,” which he produced, after its official screening Friday evening at the Directors’ Fortnight in Cannes.
“The audience was absolutely moved by ‘Foster Child,’ ” Robbie added. We are back in LA now from Cannes but the ecstatic text messages by the folks behind the Pinoy film, directed by Brillante “Dante” Mendoza, excited us as well.
The producer claimed that the press screening held earlier, on Friday morning, was a success as well: “Many viewers told us that ‘Foster Child’ is a moving film. They were all praises for Cherry Pie (Picache).” Cherry Pie stars in the film along with Eugene Domingo, Jiro Manio, Alwyn Uytingco, Dan Alvaro and Kier Segundo.
Dante, whom we interviewed while we were in Cannes, told us via text message, “I am humbled by the audience reaction. They said the film was one of the best in the Directors’ Fortnight.”
Below is a press release from Ferdie Lapuz, the sales agent of “Foster Child,” who shared with us that he got goose bumps as he witnessed the enthusiastic response to the film:
“The official screening of ‘Foster Child’ was held at 5:00 p.m. today (Friday, May 25) and ended at around 6:45 p.m. There was an almost 10-minute standing ovation for the film.
“Director Brillante Mendoza and actress Cherry Pie Picache stood up at least three times to acknowledge the cheers by the crowd. Both Mendoza and Picache were so moved by the reaction that they cried.
“According to Directors’ Fortnight artistic director Olivier Pere, ‘Foster Child’ is the second film to get a good reaction from the audience. Mr. Pere introduced the team from ‘Foster Child’ before the screening. Joining Mendoza and Picache were producer Robbie Tan and writer Ralston Joel Jover.
“In the audience representing FDCP (Film Development Council of the Philippines) chairman Jacky Atienza were IFFCOM (International Film Festival Committee) chair Christine Dayrit, FDCP executive director Lali Suzara and Cinemanila executive director Tikoy Aguiluz. Representatives from AD Vitam Distribution, the French distributor of ‘Foster Child’ in France, were also present. They were very happy with the audience reaction.
“Earlier in the day, the press screening was held to an almost SRO crowd — quite a feat considering that it was held early at 9:00 a.m. and that Friday was the second to the last day of the festival.”
14 Feedbacks on "Standing ovation for Pinoy film in Cannes"
Genesis
Congrats direk dante! - Genesis (Ang Pamana)
RAL
Congratulations to Director Dante Mendoza. I hope that “Foster Child” will also be featured in Nantes’ “Festival des 3 Continents” like Lino Brocka’s film. This is of course less prestigious than Cannes but can likewise be an opportunity to gain a different but larger audience. Bravo!
gi
Im an OFW and like millions of Filipinos around the world,we hunger for good news about our country,the success of Direk Dante’s film gave us renewed hope that our dear country is not hopeless and will continue to produce talented people that we could be proud of.There are so many positive aspects of Filipino culture and way of life that should be explored and shown to the international community.These kind of films leaves a lasting impression in their minds that Philippines has a lot more to offer,not just politics and violence.Mabuhay!
Vietnam Pinoy
Conratulations, Dante Mendoza!!! I have always been an avid supporter of Filipino film/arts. I do hope to watch “Foster Child” one day. May I suggest to bring out more of such films in legal DVD’s (with English subtitles) in order for foreigners to watch and appreciate the beauty of our film-arts. Let’s all try to promote Pinoy films to a wider (foreign) audience.
MARVS
many pinoy films were exhibited abroad that garnered awards and outstanding reviews. how come we seldom watch them here?
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manny
let me guess, is the film about bakla, kabaklaan and sex workers, trash and violence in the philippines?
not? finally!
kudos!
but wait, al lthose interviewed above worked for the film thar;s why it;s all praises. you do this time and again. why do you do that?
Lourdes Dato-on Stevens
CONGRATULATIONS, DIRCTOR MENDOZA & CAST! I’VE ALWAYS THOUGHT PINOY FILMS ARE ONE OF THE BEST–HOPE YOU’LL MAKE IT TO THE OSCARS!
KEEP UP THE GREAT JOB–WE ARE SSOOOOOOO PROUD!
REJOICING W/ YOU IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS,
LOURDES & FAMILY
Jun Divinaflor
Its not yet a success!, If we could make a changes out of it then we could say Its was a success! hope you could read between the lines?
confession from a cheap motel
no matter what the movie was about, no matter if it was shown in some obscure film fest, a great reception from the viewers is always something to be proud of. good job to those behind thus film.
“but wait, al lthose interviewed above worked for the film thar;s why it;s all praises. you do this time and again. why do you do that?”
dennis
im so proud to be pino…i havent watch the film yet but im sure it’s gonna be a huge boast to pinoy films and arts..sana marami pang kagaya kay direct mendoza..gagawa ng film na ganito ang kalibre..where to contact pala the producer so we can ask for a showing it here in ireland and uk..
Gerry Fanoga
This was a great success! Back home in Pinas, start to make quality films like this and to all Pinoys…support it by watching this kind of movie. This will then triggers more success! I have not yet seen it but given the chance I will.
wilmar
Pinoy artists are a rare breed! I hope the world finally discovers what more we can offer aside from rigged election returns and manic dissent of the political opposition. Congratulations to the creators of FOSTER CHILD! I’d love to know what really moved the ovation at Cannes when FC gets shown back home. More power! More film treasures!
Nokrus
Congratulations for the Filipino film makers and actors ! Continue to do great films.
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