Philippines’ Manila Bea Alonzo’s historical-romance drama “1521: The Quest for Freedom” has been named the September winner of the monthly Sweden Film Awards (SFA).
Distinct from the esteemed Guldbagge Awards, which are managed by the Swedish Film Institute and honor yearly accomplishments in the Swedish film industry, is the Swedish Film Awards (SFA).
Producer Francis Ho posted an email he received from the SFA recognizing the film’s accomplishment on Instagram, stating that it was the first prize “1521” has ever won in addition to Best Cinematography for a Feature Film.
Ho dedicated the victory to Filipino-Americans and Filipinos worldwide, saying, “My family offers this historic WIN as a gift to our Inang Bayan at buong sambayanang Pilipino on our 125th Independence Day as well as to all our Kababayans sa Amerika on our FILAM History Month!!!” “MABUHAY ANG LAHING KAYUMANGGI!!!”
“1521” is a story of Diwata (Alonzo), a Filipino who falls in love with Enrique (Hector David Jr.), Ferdinand Magellan’s translator, and takes place in the Spanish pre-colonial era of the Philippines.
However, the film has since become embroiled in controversy after a staff member of Alonzo’s claimed to talent manager Ogie Diaz that the actress had a bad time filming the picture.
The employee said that Alonzo was responsible for creating her own outfit, that her team’s lodgings were not covered, and that the show was a “unsafe” place to work.
Through a spokesman, Ho has now refuted these allegations, claiming that Alonzo “redesigned her outfit according to her style,” showed up for the costume fitting without warning, and brought more crew members than had been originally agreed upon.
“1521” has not yet been published in the Philippines, despite featuring Filipino-American actor Michael Copon as Lapu-Lapu and Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan as Diwata’s sister Ahmani.
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