MULTI-AWARDED cinematographer Neil Daza bagged “Best Cinematography” for the film “Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon” in this year’s Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival awards night held last Aug. 12 at Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).
Daza veered away from his usual dark lighting and set the mood of the movie with nostalgic effects.
“The challenge is to make a simple and silent film with no camera movement, but still engage the audience,” Daza told the Varsitarian.
The film tackles the story about an estranged elderly couple who finds forgiveness and acceptance after a turn of events.
Diagnosed with stage four cancer, Benedicto (Dante Rivero) asked his wife, Teresa (Perla Bautista), to take care of him until his last days. Little did they know Teresa’s act of kindness would result in a long-awaited reconciliation.
Directed by Carlo Catu, the film also won Best Picture, Best Screenplay, Best Production Design and the Netpac (Network for the Promotion of Asia Pacific Cinema) Citation.
An alumnus of the old College of Architecture and Fine Arts, Daza said the University gave him enough freedom and great mentors to hone his craft.
Daza was under the tutelage of professors Mario Parial, Rhoda Recto and Mario Santiago.
Daza produced “Yamashita: The Tiger’s Treasure” in 2001, “Dekada ’70” in 2002, “Feng Shui” in 2004, “Etiquette for Mistresses” in 2014, “Bwaya” in 2015, “Ghost Bride” in 2017 and “Nabubulok,” an entry to last year’s Cinemalaya.
