Young Indian and Filipino win global faith film ‘Oscars’

If even only one film had the power to turn one person’s ignorance into understanding it would be worth it.

United Kingdom, November 28, 2012: Congratulations to young film makers Charles Andrew Flamiano from the Philippines, Liat Har-Gill from Israel, and Mudit Muraka from India for winning the Tony Blair Faith Foundation’s 2012 global film competition, Faith Shorts.

The three winners received their awards at 195 Piccadilly, the home of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) in front of over 200 guests including Tony Blair, members of the entertainment and film industry, religious leaders, and experts from Wikipedia, Youtube and Google.

Host of the event Julie Etchingham said,

“These films truly give young people a voice in a world where they can often feel drowned out – and an opportunity to use their personality and creativity to express their faith and what it means to them. They challenge stereotypes, provoke thought – and most importantly encourage tolerance and compassion.

If even only one film had the power to turn one person’s ignorance into understanding it would be worth it. But these films have the potential to reach many more, and to foster a network of respect among young people from all backgrounds”.

Winner in the 14-17 year old category, Charles Andrew Flamiano, who is a 16 year old student from General Santos City, Philippines, made an emotional film “Letting Go, Letting God”. The winning film focuses on putting trust in God when faced with an adversity like illness.

Commenting on the news that he had won in his category, Charles Andrew Flamiano said: “This award has been the greatest thing which has ever happened to me. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to receive this award and to see this very lovely place. I would like to thank the judges for selecting my film my class mates who served as cast and crew and my family and my school for nurturing my faith since elementary years.”

15 year old student, Mudit Muraka, from New Delhi, won the Face to Faith category for his film “The Mirror”. His film explores the social pressures teenagers around the world face today. Commenting on the news that he’d won his category, Mudit said:

“This is really amazing and I am overwhelmed. Thank you to my school, my principal and family. Thank you for giving me this platform to express my views on what is such a sensitive and important topic for young people. I hope the Foundation continues its great work. Someday I hope we can live in a world where everyone is free of prejudices and stereotypes and can have their own unique faith and be themselves”.

– tony blair faith foundation