17 November 2005 – The Philippine Embassy in Brussels reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that actor Cesar Montano bagged the Grand Prix Special Du Jury in the Competition International category of the 32nd Brussels Festival International Independent Film Festival held from 01 to 06 November 2005 in Centre Culturel Jacques Franck.

Charge d’Affaires Anamarie Morales said the award, the third highest award given by the Festival, is in recognition of the overall performance  of Mr. Montano as actor and director  of the movie Panaghoy sa Suba.   The Best Actor was awarded to Mr. Yu Kai Lei for the film  Lost in Wu Song (China); while the Grand Prix Award All Categories was awarded to  Tarfaya, one of the film entries from Morocco, the featured country in the festival.
 
“Mr. Montano’s outstanding performance in the Festival, which included roundtable discussions among the participants, was laudable and had brought honor to the Philippine film industry and the country as a whole,” CDA Morales said.

During the awarding ceremony held at the Centre Cultural Jacques Franck in Brussels, Mr. Marcel Croes, President of the Festival paid tribute to the significant contribution of countries from the Far East particularly Montano’s’ movie, which was highly regarded by the jury, participants, organizers and the viewing public.   Members of the Filipino community in Belgium showed support by attending the European premier of the movie. Mr. Montano gained overwhelming turnout of supporters during the screening.

The Embassy also hosted a reception for Mr. Montano and other participants and organizers of the festival.  The Mayor of Brussels  presented a medal of honor to Mr. Montano for his participation in the festival.

CDA Morales said Philippine participation in the festival was made possible through the staunch support of Mr. Robert Malengrau, Director of the Festival, who over the years has consistently endeavored to promote Philippine Films in Belgium. END