Liza Soberano attends Vietnam film festival as jury member, presenter

Filipino presence was felt on the international stage once again!

Liza Soberano attended the first Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival in Vietnam held on April 14. 

She was the presenter of the Best Actress award and one of the judges alongside film producer John Badalu, New York Asian Film Festival Executive Director Samuel Jamier, Vietnamese-American film editor Tom Cross, and director Nguyen Thanh Van.

On Instagram, she said that she was very "thrilled" and "honored" to be selected as a jury member of the inaugural film festival.

"[It]] Was such an amazing showcase of talented filmmakers from all over the world!! Truly so inspired to continue working in an industry that encourages freedom of expression and challenges the way we think. Congratulations to all winners!” Liza said in the post, where she is seen wearing a sleek black dress by Filipino designer Anthony Ramirez.

Meanwhile, the highest award at the event, Golden Star for Best Southeast Asian Feature Film, was given to Filipino filmmaker Sheron Dayoc’s The Gospel of the Beast.

Former Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) president Liza Diño on Instagram congratulated Sheron for the film's achievement.

"Saving the best for last….The Philippines FTW!!!! Congratulations Sheron Dayoc for winning the BEST FILM award in HIFF - Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival. This gripping feature film Produced by Sonny Calventoand Arden Rod B. Condez of Southern Lantern Studios was supported by the FilmPhilippines International Coproduction Fund during my time in FDCP as head of the agency," she wrote.

The Ho Chi Minh International Film Festival is an “annual cinematic extravaganza that celebrates the art of storytelling through film.” It took place at Sai Gon Opera House, Lam Son Park, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, and in selected cinema theaters. The event was hosted by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee – HCMC Department of Culture and Sports.