Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Chairman Tirso Cruz III shared his congratulatory message for actor John Lloyd Cruz who recently won at the 76th Locarno Film Festival. The announcement was made through the official Facebook page of the FDCP last Friday, August 11.

John Lloyd’s performance for Essential Truths of the Lake earned him the Boccalino d'Oro prize (Golden Jug Award) at the prestigious festival. He is the second Filipino following Hazel Orencio’s win in 2014 to receive such an award.

READ: John Lloyd Cruz, Shaina Magdayao film to have world premiere in Switzerland

“It is with great joy and pride that I congratulate one of the most talented artists of our country, Mr. John Lloyd Cruz, for having won the Boccalino d'Oro prize (Golden Jug Award) for Best Actor at the 76th Locarno Film Festival (LFF) in Switzerland,” Tirso said in a statement.

Tirso continued to praise the former Kapamilya artist who showcased an impeccable performance in the film. 

“This award is much deserved by an artist of his caliber. Lloydie, congratulations and thank you for bringing honor to our country,” he added.

Essential Truths of the Lake was directed by Lav Diaz and is the official entry of the director to the Concorso Internazionale or the main competition section of the film festival. This marks the multi-awarded director’s return to Locarno where he previously won Best Picture for his masterpiece, Mula sa Kung Ano ang Noon.

READ: Piolo Pascual, Shaina Magdayao pinangunahan ang world screening ng “Ang Hupa” sa Cannes

Additionally, this is the only Southeast Asian film in the main competition of the film festival as revealed by the FDCP. 

The film revolves around Lieutenant Hermes Papauran, played by John Lloyd, and his quest to search for the truth. The character continues to struggle to find answers to a 15-year-old case set around a volcanic ash-laden landscape and an impenetrable lake. 

Shaina Magdayao, Bart Guingona, and Agot Isidro joins Hazel and John Lloyd in the film. They flew earlier to Switzerland to attend the prestigious film festival which will run until August 12.