BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA — A cinematic project focusing on the tragic 2009 Maguindanao massacre has earned international recognition at the recent film market in South Korea.
The co-production film titled “Once Upon a Time in the Philippines,” directed by E Del Mundo, secured the ArteKino International Award during the Asian Contents and Film Market (ACFM) Awards Ceremony. The event took place on Tuesday, October 13, at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO).
According to the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) report, the movie—jointly produced by the Philippines, France, and Norway—earned praise for its compelling examination of structural oppression and personal resistance.
Prior to its win, the project was featured in the Asian Project Market (APM), a networking platform connecting creators with global investors and distributors chosen from hundreds of international submissions.
ACFM Director Ellen Y.D. Kim highlighted the broader impact of the recognition during the ceremony.
“Today’s awards recognize the promise of these projects and the stories they have yet to bring to life. ACFM’s awards do not end in Busan. They travel on to Jakarta, Manila, Oslo and Bangkok,” Kim said.
The annual ACFM event integrates major industry platforms to offer substantial financial grants, production assistance, and international festival invitations to promising cinematic works.