The Adventures of Kween Jhonabelle, a film that captivated audiences with its compelling story and stellar performances, won the most coveted Best Picture award at the 2023 Manila Film Festival.

The comedy-drama film is about Jhonabelle who turns into vlogging and creates prank videos that go viral when her brother was diagnosed with leukemia, allowing her to raise funds for her brother’s treatment.

The film took home a total of nine awards, including Best Actress, awarded to Larizze Jason Eco for her remarkable portrayal in the lead role.

The 2023 Manila Film Festival held its much-anticipated awards night, Metropolitan Theater on Monday, June 19 as it celebrates the outstanding achievements of filmmakers and artists in the local cinema scene.

The City Government of Manila demonstrated its support for the local film industry by providing cash prizes to the winners of the festival.

In addition, Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto personally crafted the metal trophies, adding a personal touch to the recognition of the artists’ achievements.

“The revived Manila Film Festival aims to showcase indie films made by young students, and create a new generation of filmmakers in the country”, said Vice Mayor John Marvin “Yul Servo” Nieto, who himself had an acting role in one of the movies.

The five official entries came from Arellano University-Pasig, Adamson University, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, University of Makati, and University of the Philippines. A premiere night was held last Thursday, 15 June, at SM Manila, with Mayor Maria Sheilah “Honey” Lacuna-Pangan, Vice Mayor John Marvin “Yul Servo” Nieto, and the films’ main casts gracing the red carpet . 

A total of 19 awards were presented, recognizing the exceptional talent and creativity showcased in the festival.

Following is the 2023 Manila Film Festival list of winners:

• Best Float Award – The Uncanny
• Best Sound Award – Martin Apolinario, The Adventures of Kween Jhonabelle
• Best Musical Score Award – Brigz Viernes, CTRL-F-ESC
• Best Theme Song Award – Aisha Ahamad & Brigz Viernes, Kadiliman from CTRL-F-ESC
• Best Production Design Award – Zea Clemente, Voltaire John Lumangaya, Tricia Cruz & Vhan Marco Molacruz, The Adventures of Kween Jhonabelle
• Best Editing Award – Jason Kyle Julian, Richard Nicole Nicholas & Patrick Edward Garillo, The Adventures of Kween Jhonabelle
• Best Cinematography Award – Patrick Edward Garillo & Jaime Medina, The Adventures of Kween Jhonabelle
• Top Grosser Award – The Adventures of Kween Jhonabelle
• People’s Choice Award – Unspoken
• Best Child Performer Award – Prince Espana, The Uncanny
• Catalyst for Change Award – CTRL-F-ESC
• Best Screenplay Award – Tricia Reena Loi Lorenzana, CTRL-F-ESC
• Best Supporting Actress Award – Lotlot Bustamante, Unspoken
• Best Supporting Actor Award – Kian Co, The Adventures of Kween Jhonabelle
• Best Director Award – Carlo James Buan, The Adventures of Kween Jhonabelle
• Best Actor Award – Kych Minemoto, CTRL-F-ESC
• Best Actress Award – Larizze Jason Eco, The Adventures of Kween Jhonabelle
• Ehemplo Manileño Award – Lou Veloso
• Best Picture Award – The Adventures of Kween Jhonabelle.

The new Manila Film Festival (MFF) ran from June 16 to 24 at SM Manila, while the awarding ceremony was held last June 19 at the newly-renovated Metropolitan Theater.