February 2, 2007 was an unforgettable night for the Davao City independent films industry. It was the night that young director Sherad Anthony Sanchez finally brought home his award-winning movie, Huling Balyan ng Buhi. The film was written and directed by Sherad and produced by Sherad’s Salida in partnership with Alchemy of Vision and Light and Cinema One. It was judged as the Best Picture in last year’s Cinema One Originals Awards. Sherad also received awards for Best Director and Best Screenplay, and its cast of amateur actors won the Special Award of Best Acting Ensemble. The movie was shot entirely in nearby Arakan Valley, Cotabato.
The film revolves around the last living baylan (priestess / healer) and how her cultural importance is lost on the young who are more fascinated with videoke machines. It also tells the story of rebels, military men and other people who lives somehow intersect in a desperate attempt to save the life of the baylan.
The film will have its regular showing at the GMall Cinema One from February 7 – 13, 2007.