MANILA -- Award-winning director Brillante Mendoza’s latest film “Motherland” (Bansa) has been selected to compete in the prestigious Jiseok competition section at the 2024 Busan International Film Festival (BIFF).

The festival, one of Asia’s most significant film events, will take place from October 2 to 11.

“Motherland” delves into the tragic 2015 Mamasapano massacre, a deadly encounter that occurred on January 25, 2015, during a police operation by the Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Tukanalipao, Mamasapano. The film’s powerful narrative and Mendoza’s unflinching direction are set to bring this harrowing event back into the global spotlight.

The film boasts an impressive cast, including some of the Philippines’ most respected actors: Rocco Nacino, Cesar Montano, Ricky Davao, Gina Alajar, Marvin Agustin, Epy Quizon, Mon Confiado, Joem Bascon, Christian Vasquez, Vince Rillon, Jess Mendoza, Kiko Matos and Jomari Angeles.

The BIFF’s Jiseok competition section is dedicated to established Asian filmmakers. The section is highly regarded, with the two best films being honored with the KIM Jiseok Award. This award was created in memory of the late Kim Jiseok, the program director who was instrumental in supporting and nurturing Asian cinema.

This year, “Motherland” will be competing against seven other films from across Asia, including:

• • “I Am Love” by Baek Seungbin (South Korea)
• • “So It Goes” by Lee Haram (South Korea)
• • “Aimitagai” by Kusano Shogo (Japan)
• • “Traveling Alone” by Ishibashi Yuho (Japan)
• • “Deal at the Border” by Dastan Zhapar Ryskeldi (Kyrgyzstan)
• • “Village Rockstars 2” by Rima Das (India)
• • “Yen and Ai-Lee” by Lin Tom Shu-Yu (Taiwan)

Actor Mon Confiado, who portrays Team Leader Ballesteros of the Special Action Force in the film, shared a glimpse of “Motherland” on his Instagram, further heightening anticipation for the film’s world premiere.

The inclusion of “Motherland” in the Jiseok competition marks another significant achievement for Mendoza, whose films have consistently pushed the boundaries of Filipino cinema on the global stage.