Once surrounded by controversy over its initial classification by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board, the film, ‘Alipato at Muog’ emerged triumphant at the 48th Gawad Urian, winning Best Film along with Best Documentary and Best Editing awards.
Directed by JL Burgos, the film explores his search for his brother Jonas, a farmer-activist who was abducted in April 2007 by alleged military personnel. Jonas was last seen being taken from a restaurant in Quezon City, and his whereabouts remain unknown despite ongoing efforts by his family and human rights groups.
On social media, Burgos expressed gratitude to the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino and thanked organizations and collaborators that supported the project, including Cinemalaya, the Film Development Council of the Philippines, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, GMA Public Affairs, Bonfire Productions, Monoxide Works, and human rights groups such as Karapatan and Desaparecidos.
‘Lahat ng naging bahagi ng kampanyang ilitaw si Jonas, maraming maraming salamat!’ the director said.
He also acknowledged colleagues who contributed to the film over the years and supporters who provided feedback during earlier screenings.
‘Bagama’t hindi pa natin nakikita si Jonas, alam kong kasama ko na kayong sumisigaw ng katarungan para sa mga desaparecido,’ Burgos emphasized.
Burgos concluded by encouraging continued advocacy for justice and hinted at a future film project.
‘Alipato at Muog’ was originally released as an official entry at the 20th Cinemalaya Film Festival in 2024 where it won the Special Jury Prize. At the 73rd FAMAS Awards held last August, the film also won Best Picture and Best Director.
Full List of Winners:
Best Film: Alipato at Muog – Pulang Langgam Media Productions
Best Direction: Tumandok- Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay and Richard Jeroui Salvadico
Best Screenplay: Tumandok – Arden Rod Condez and Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay
Best Actress: Arisa Nakano – Kono Basho
Best Actor: Dennis Trillo – Green Bones
Best Supporting Actress: Kakki Teodoro – Isang Himala
Best Supporting Actor: Felipe Ganancial – Tumandok
Best Production Design: Green Bones – Marxie Maolen Fadul
Best Cinematography: Kono Basho- Dan Villegas
Best Editing: Alipato at Muog – JL Burgos
Best Music: Tumandok- Paulo Almaden, The Ati People of Kabarangkalan and Nagpana
Best Sound: The Hearing – Jannina Mikaela Minglanilla and Michaela Docena
Best Short Film: Bisan Abo Wala Bilin
Best Documentary: Alipato at Muog* – JL Burgos