“Captive” by Brillante Mendoza to Compete in Berlin Film Festival 2012

Award-winning international independent film-maker Brillante Mendoza once again showcase the Filipino talent after his film titled “Captive” made it the finals of the 2012 Berlin Film Festival.

The film “Captive” was based upon the kidnapping of foreign nationals in Southern Mindanao. The notorious Al-Qaeda linked Abu-Sayyaf were the group behind the kidnapping of missionaries Gracia and Martin Burnham.

The movie portrays the different characters from both side either the victims or the captors. Director Brillante Mendoza’s perspective is to let the viewers interact with the movie. According to him the film is based upon his year’s of research with both the victims and the captors and all the people who were involved.

Director Mendoza was quoted as saying “My film is all about the unseen power that is making all these [dismal] things happen I have tried to show that no one could really move and make the incidents in the film happen if no one gives order,” Mendoza said.

Award-winning actress Isabelle Huppert topbilled the film playing the fictional character of Gracia Burnham. The French actress is a former two-time Best Actress Winner of the Cannes Film Festival.

The Filipino Director is best known for his number of award-winning independent films. He was awarded as Best Director at Palme d’Or, at hte 62nd Cannes Film Festival for the film titled “Kinatay.”

The Berlin International Film Festival is also known as Berlinale. The film festival will be held this coming February 9-19, 2012.

Brillante Mendoza’s film titled “Captive” will compete for their prestigious Golden and Silver Bear prizes.