Animated Filipino movie Iti Mapukpukaw is the official entry of the Philippines to the 96th Academy Awards.

The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) announced on Friday, September 29 that Carl Joseph E. Papa’s animated film "will be submitted for consideration to the 96th Academy Awards as the country’s official entry to the Best International Feature Film Category."

Iti Mapukpukaw stars Carlo Aquino, Gio Gahol, and Dolly de Leon.

It was an official entry in this year's Cinemalaya Festival and became the first animated movie to win Best Film at the film festival.

“ITI MAPUKPUKAW” IS THE OFFICIAL PHILIPPINE ENTRY TO THE 96TH ACADEMY AWARDS. Carl Joseph E. Papa’s animated film “Iti Mapukpukaw”will be submitted for consideration to the 96th Academy Awards as the country’s official entry to the Best International Feature Film Category. #FDCP pic.twitter.com/3ZkgSl2Ezs

— Film Development Council of the Philippines (@fdcpofficial) September 29, 2023

According to the official synopsis of the film posted on the Cinemalaya website, Iti Mapukpukaw is a "Filipino-Ilocano rotoscope animated film that follows Eric’s life as it twists and turns after the arrival of the familiar alien, and the death of his uncle; both of which triggers Eric to remember his past and untangle his memories."

On the inspiration behind the film, the director shared:  "When I create stories, I try to put myself in other people's shoes. Be it my mother (Manang Biring) or my grandmother (Paglisan), I try to make sense of how they would have felt to understand the choices they made. Iti Mapukpukaw is different. I am not putting myself in someone else’s shoes; instead, I am wearing my own. Eric’s story is one that’s personal. It is made of dark and repressed memories," he shared.

He added: "I hope that in creating Eric, I create a refuge for people who suffered the same fate as he did. And for those who have not, I hope the film sheds more light on this topic. I hope that it creates a safe space where giving information, fostering understanding, and initiating discourse are things we don’t have to be afraid of."

Antoinette Jadaone, who serves as one of the executive producers of the film took to social media to pen a message following the announcement that the film is going to be submitted to the Oscars.

"ITI MAPUKPUKAW (The Missing) IS THE PHILIPPINES’ OFFICIAL ENTRY TO THE 96TH ACADEMY AWARDS 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 MAAAAAAAAAAA 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹 P.S. This is just the beginning of our long journey! We need yer help and support to mount a big campaign 💕 but tonight we shall celebrate and tomorrow we start the journey 🥂," she posted.