Cordilleran short film wins International Sundance Grand Jury Prize

Baguio City, Philippines – A Cordilleran film entitled "The Headhunter's Daughter" brought honor to the country by taking home the Short Film Grand Jury Prize at the recently concluded Sundance Film Festival 2022 held in the United States of America on Saturday, January 29.

This, according to the Film Development Council of the Philippines, is the first time that the country won the said award, and it is the second Filipino short film to ever compete in the prestigious festival.

During the awarding ceremony, a member of the Short’s Program and Competition Jury, Blackhorse Lowe, described the film as ‘poetic and dreamlike film, which follows its character’s intimate journey with gorgeous cinematography, and direction, and acting, capturing a unique sense of place.’

The short film directed by Ifugao-Visayan Don Josephus Raphael Eblahan had its world premiere at the festival's Shorts Program 4.

Jasmin “Ammin” Adaoal, a singer and tattoo artist from Tinglayan, Kalinga, played the lead role of “Lynn.” In said film, Lynn left home and traversed ‘the harrowing roads of the Cordilleran highlands to try her luck in the city as a country singer.’

The cast of The Headhunter’s Daughter, through their official Facebook page, extended their gratitude and delight to all the congratulatory messages they received saying, ‘winning the Grand Jury Prize showed us the undying support of fellow Filipinos from all over the world.’

“We’d like to especially thank our community in Ambiong, La Trinidad, our family members in Mayoyao, Ifugao, the greater Igorot communities of the Cordilleran highlands who showed so much love and interest for our little project, and to everyone we met along the way. From the bottom of our hearts, Thanks to each and every one of you,” exclaimed the cast.

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