Ilocos Norte

The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN), through the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office (INTO), celebrated the creativity of Ilokano filmmakers with 2023 Tan-ok ni Ilocano Film Fest, one of the highlights of the 205th Foundation Anniversary of the province.

The film festival which started in 2020 honors the best of Ilokano filmmaking and exhibits innovative storytelling of Ilocano heritage, traditions, history, and the natural environment in the context of people's life experiences and struggles.

Mr. Melver Ritz Gomez's "Karkarma" bagged the best picture award in the short narrative category, while "Aweng" by Dr. Romel Pascua bagged the best picture award in the short documentary category. They were awarded during the intermission of Tan-ok ni Ilocano 2023: The Festival of Festivals at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Stadium on February 24.

Additional awards received by Mr. Gomez and his team from the Ylocostar and Pelikula Ilocana include "Best Director," "Best Cinematography," "Best Scoring," "Best Scriptwriting," "Best Screenplay," and "Best Editing." Ms. Analiza Ponce, who played the main character in "Karkarma," also received the "Best Actress" award.

Meanwhile, "Kasano kad' ti Agwayawaya?" was awarded "Second Best Picture" and garnered the "Audience Choice" award. Mr. Ivan Genesis Calaro, who was the lead of the said film, was judged also as "Best Actor."

"Karkarma" depicts an Ilokano belief known as a second Ilokano's soul. When one is scared, it can be taken or leave the physical body. If this soul does not return, the person becomes insane. Sacrifice ceremonies can be performed to reclaim lost "karma."

In the short ducomentary category, the "Aweng" of Dr. Pascua and his team from Lamina Production received awards. Dr. Pascua won the "Best Director." The documentary also received "Best Scoring" and "Best Cinematography." Meanwhile, "Tabon" bagged "Second Best Picture," and "Dagiti Baro a Banuar" bagged the "Third Best Picture."

"Aweng" focused into the methods of calling farmers to work, featuring the use of "tangguyob," a trumpet made of carabao horn, and an old drum made of cow skin.

Film entries were presented at the Robinsons Movieworld on February 11, 12, 18, and 19.