Philippines Choose ‘Iti Mapukpukaw’ for Oscars 2024 Best International Feature

In a notable moment for Philippine cinema, the animated film “Iti Mapukpukaw” (The Missing) has been chosen as the Philippines’ official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 96th Academy Awards. Directed by Carl Joseph Papa, the film gained recognition earlier this year by winning the title of Best Film at the 2023 Cinemalaya Philippine Film Festival, making history as the first animated film to receive this prestigious award. Additionally, it earned actress Dolly De Leon the Best Supporting Actress accolade.

Utilizing a unique rotoscope animation technique, “Iti Mapukpukaw” has been commended for its innovative storytelling. With a well-crafted narrative, the film has garnered praise and awards, including recognition from the Network for the Promotion of Asia Pacific (NETPAC) Awards, which applauded its nuanced exploration of themes like healing, friendship, and young love.