Philippines’ ‘Transit’ emerges as front-runner for Busan film prize

A scene from the Philippines drama movie about OFWs in Israel, ‘Transit’.

BUSAN, Oct 7 ― An emotionally charged drama from the Philippines about migrant families fighting to stay together in Israel has emerged as a front-runner for the top prize at Asia’s premier film festival this week.

“Transit” from first-time director Hannah Espia has made it into the final field in the New Currents competition at the 18th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF).

The film explores the stories of five migrant families who decide to hide their children from authorities in Israel rather than abide by a controversial law ― introduced in the country in 2011 ― which forbids foreign workers from marrying or having children while on contract in the country.

“I wanted to show the lives of children born in foreign lands, and their struggles with identity,” Espia told a press conference.

“The [children] are the new people of the diaspora. They are in a constant search for where they belong,” said Espia, adding that she had been inspired to write the film after a chance meeting with a migrant worker who was bringing his five-month-old son home to live with relatives.

“Transit” has already caused a sensation in the Philippines, whose millions of overseas workers keep the economy afloat with dollar remittances.

Last month it selected the film as its entry for next year’s Academy Awards, after it won the major prize at the influential Cinemalaya festival in August, which celebrates the Philippines’ independent film.

Espia said she was proud that the film was receiving so much attention and that she hoped this would lead to it finding a wider international audience. Full Story

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