Wagi bilang Best Feature Film ang pelikulang ”1521: The Quest for Love and Freedom” na pinagbibidahan ni Bea Alonzo, sa Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival o AIMAFF.
Sa exclusive interview ng Star FM Baguio sa producer ng pelikula na si Francis Ho, ibinahagi nito ang kagalakan sa naturang parangal. Kwento rin ni Ho na ang “1521” ay gianawa upang magsilbing regalo sa Inang Bayan, para sa ika-125 anibersaryo ng Araw ng Kalayaan noong Hunyo.
“Ang pinaka layunin natin for ‘1521’ is really to show the story of Lapu-Lapu, and our fight for freedom from the perspective of the Filipino. Kaya tayong mga Pilipino, hindi natin pwedeng hayaan lang ang westerners to dictate our own history. Kaya natin ginawa ang ‘1521’ para makita ng buong mundo ang heroism, bravery, and also the greatness of the Filipinos.”
Nagbigay rin ito ng mensahe sa mga aspiring filmmakers na nais ring makatanggap ng mga accomplishments sa industriya.
“There is absolutely no reason why you cannot dream big. It is never too late, you are never too young or too old to dream big dreams. One day, a book will come out about my own experience, and there, you will see that, you know, it wasn’t easy. Do not think of yourself as someone who is inferior to anyone but you are equally capable, that you are second to none, you are destined for greatness.”
Dagdag pa ng Filipino-Chinese producer at writer, masaya at honored siya sa lahat ng international awards na natanggap ng naturang pelikula. Ilan na nga dito ang Best Cinematography Feature Film sa Sweden Film Awards at ang Best Feature Film naman sa London Independent Film Awards.
