Igorot film "Tokwifi" wins Gawad Urian 2020 Best Short Film

The Igorot film "Tokwifi" was once again recognized at the 43rd edition of the prestigious Gawad Urian 2020 as Best Short Film on Tuesday, November 10 during a virtual awarding ceremony; following its success as Best Film and NETPAC (National Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema) Jury Prize in the 2020 Cinemalaya.

Tokwifi (Star), a romantic-fantasy film was inspired by a Bontok Igorot folklore about a 1950s mestiza star who was trapped inside a television that fell from the sky and dreams up a romantic romp with a Bontok Igorot man who does not know how to kiss.

The 20-minute-long film was directed by Ilocana-Tagalog filmmaker Carla Pulido Ocampo, from Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, and Sanchez Mira, Cagayan. Carla is an adopted daughter of Bontoc, Mountain Province with the name of "Khayapon".

The short film was co-produced by the Bontoc LGU and was shot in locations within the town in 2019. It features artists and members of the town.

In an exclusive interview with Igorotage, Carla Pulido Ocampo said it's humbling to win an award from the most prestigious awarding body in Philippine cinema. But to them, winning an Urian trophy is not a glittery prize, but a remembrance of responsibility.

We are humbled. The Urian is the most prestigious award in Philippine Cinema.

But to us, winning an Urian trophy is not a glittery prize, but a remembrance of responsibility.

You see, movies that win an Urian are movies that dissect the layers of pressing societal issues.

The Urian reminds us of our duty as artists to create films that spark dialogue about where we are heading as a nation; films that encourage reform if need be.

Tokwifi Awards and Nominations

Complete list of awards, honors, and nominations received by the Igorot film Tokwifi.