FILIPINO independent filmmakers continue to reap major awards in European film festivals.

Francis Xavier Pasion?s Jay, won in the Best Fiction Feature Film category in Bilbao, Spain and Milo Sogueco?s ?Sanglaan? bagged the Jury award in Paris, France.

Jay starring Baron Geisler, Coco Martin and Flor Salanga grabbed the Best Fiction Feature Film Award at the 7th Bilbao International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival in Spain.

The film has also won key awards in other international film fests including Special Mention (Bangkok 2008), Special Mention (Bahamas 2008), Special Mention (FICCO Mexico 2009), Best Feature Film (Berlin Hotshots 2009), Audience Award (Black Film Festival, Geneva 2009) and Best Digital Film (Barcelona Asian 2009). Francis is now preparing his second film titled Sampaguita.

For Sanglaan, its a double victory in France. Last year, the film, which stars Tessie Tomas, Ina Feleo and Joem Bascon won silver in the New Asian Cinema and the bronze Grand Prix du Public audience award at the 15th Lyon Film Festival.

In 2010, the Inalco Jury award from the 16th Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema given by the National Institute of Oriental Languages and Civilizations in Paris.

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