Bwakaw

Bwakaw is a 2012 Philippine comedy drama film written and directed by Jun Lana. Eddie Garcia stars as a lonely gay man in his 70s who cares for a stray dog he named bwakaw. The film was first screened as part of the 2012 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival where it formed part of the Director's Showcase roster.[1]

Bwakaw
Theatrical release poster
Directed byJun Robles Lana
Produced by
Written byJun Robles Lana
Starring
Music by
  • Jema Pamintuan
  • Jeff Hernandez
CinematographyCarlo Mendoza
Edited byLawrence S. Ang
Production
company
Distributed by
Release date
  • July 21, 2012 (2012-07-21) (Philippine Independent Film Festival)
  • September 5, 2012 (2012-09-05) (Philippines)
Running time
110 minutes
CountryPhilippines
LanguageFilipino

Plot

Rene is a gay man who came out of the closet at age 70. Ailing in his twilight years, he thinks it is now too late for love, even companionship, and that all there is to look forward to is Death. He has made a will, bequeathing his few possessions to his even fewer friends. Everything is packed and labeled, ready for distribution. He has even paid for a coffin, taking advantage of a funeral home's Summer Sale. Nowadays the only companion Rene has is Bwakaw, a stray dog that hangs around his house and follows him wherever he goes. As Rene waits for the day of his death, he gets the surprise of his life when it is Bwakaw who suddenly falls ill and is diagnosed with cancer. Rene is surprisingly affected, and he realizes that he values Bwakaw more than he thinks. In his struggle to get Bwakaw cured, Rene finds comfort in the most unlikely person: Sol, a tricycle driver who helps him bring Bwakaw to the vet and befriends him. Buoyed by Sol's friendship, Rene starts living. Little by little he discovers simple joys. To the surprise of his friends, he even has his hair dyed to look younger. One day, he finally decides to make a move on Sol. The revelation that Rene is gay and has feelings for him surprises and disgusts Sol. He rejects Rene and leaves in anger. In the meantime, Bwakaw's condition gets worse. Not even Rene's ancient Santo Entierro (a supposedly miraculous statue of Jesus Christ) can save Bwakaw. Bwakaw dies, and Rene's neighbors help him bury the faithful dog. But Bwakaw's death, even while it was still only imminent, has made a difference. Rene has found a new appreciation for life and what is most important. He decides to unpack the things that he has already willed to other people and make his house more habitable. He is, after all, still alive.[2]

Cast

Reception

Bwakaw won the Netpac Awards and the Audience Choice during the Cinemalaya competition, while Garcia was awarded Best Actor.[3] The film was selected as the Filipino entry for the Best Foreign Language Oscar at the 85th Academy Awards, but it did not make the final shortlist.[4]

Accolades
Event Award Category/Recipient(s) Result Reference
Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival Audience Award Directors Showcase (Jun Lana) Won [5]
Balanghai Trophy Best Actor - Directors Showcase (Eddie Garcia) Won
NETPAC Award Directors Showcase (Jun Lana) Won
Balanghai Trophy Best Film - Directors Showcase (Jun Lana) Nominated
Hawaii International Film Festival Halekulani Golden Orchid Award Narrative Feature (Jun Lana) Nominated
Tokyo International Film Festival Asian Film Award - Special Mention Jun Lana Won
[[List of submissions to the 85th Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film|85th Academy Awards Best Foreign Language Film]] Philippine Entry Not Nominated [6]
55th Asia Pacific Film Festival Best Actor Eddie Garcia Won
7th Asian Film Awards Best Actor Eddie Garcia Won
People's Choice Award for Best Actor Won

References
  1. "Cinemalaya: Bwakaw". Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. Archived from the original on 15 September 2012. Retrieved 9 September 2012.
  2. "Cinemalaya: Bwakaw". Synopsis. Archived from the original on 15 September 2012. Retrieved 12 December 2012.
  3. "'Bwakaw' to hit cinemas nationwide on Sept 5". The Philippine Star. 29 August 2012. Archived from the original on 8 February 2013. Retrieved 9 September 2012.
  4. "'Bwakaw' to compete at the Oscars". Philippine Star. 17 September 2012. Archived from the original on 4 January 2013. Retrieved 17 September 2012.
  5. "Bwakaw Awards". IMDb. Retrieved December 12, 2012.
  6. "'Bwakaw' to compete at the Oscars". The Philippine Star. PhilSTAR Daily. 17 September 2012. Archived from the original on 4 January 2013. Retrieved 17 September 2012.
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