“Iti Mapukpukaw (The Missing)” has been chosen as the PH entry to the 96th Academy Awards
“Iti Mapukpukaw (The Missing)” will be submitted for consideration to the 96th Academy Awards as the official Philippine entry to the Best International Feature Film Category.
Headlined by Carlo Aquino, “Iti Mapukpukaw” made history as the first full-length animated feature to compete at the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival this year.
It went on to win the prestigious Best Film award and it also received the NETPAC Award, further solidifying its position as a remarkable piece of cinematic art.
Dolly de Leon, who portrayed Eric’s mother, Rosalinda, was honored with the Best Supporting Actress award for her outstanding performance.
Directed by Carl Joseph Papa, “Iti Mapukpukaw” is a Filipino-Ilocano rotoscope animated film that was created by 90 Pinoy animators.
The movie follows the journey of a mouthless animator named Eric, played by Carlo. When his uncle dies, Eric encounters an alien that seems oddly familiar. This animated film delves into the depths of imagination and storytelling, offering a unique and captivating viewing experience about dealing with childhood traumas.
Gio Gahol rounds up the main cast as Carlo, Eric’s co-worker crush. The ensemble shines on screen, showcasing their talent and bringing the characters to life.
To support the film’s campaign for the Academy Awards, the Film Development Council of the Philippines will grant director Carl Joseph Papa and his team Php 1 million through its Oscars Assistance Program.
This financial assistance will aid in promotional efforts and create awareness among the international film community about the exceptional quality of Filipino independent cinema.
The shortlisted nominees vying for Oscars 2024 will be announced on December 21, 2023. Fans and industry professionals alike will eagerly await the official nominee announcement, set to take place on January 23, 2024.
The ceremony itself is scheduled for March 10, 2024, when exceptional talents from around the world will gather to celebrate the art of filmmaking and recognize outstanding cinematic achievements.
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Banner Art Paulo Correa
