• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Sangguniang Panlungsod commended Bacolodnon film director Lawrence “Law” Fajardo Aug. 12 for his historic selection to the platform section of the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), the first for a Filipino film in the program’s 11-year history.
The selection of Fajardo’s sociopolitical drama “Silenced Nights” marks a TIFF historic milestone for Philippine cinema, as it is the first Filipino film to enter TIFF’s main juried competition since the platform program was launched 11 years ago, the SP said in approving the resolution of Councilor Em Ang.
Ang, chairperson of the SP Committee on Culture, said “this achievement not only brings pride to the City of Bacolod but also elevates Philippine cinema on the world stage, inspiring a new generation of Filipino filmmakers, storytellers, and artists to pursue truth, courage, and excellence in their craft.”
The TIFF selection is a testament to Fajardo’s talent, dedication, and years of contribution to Philippine independent cinema, further cementing Bacolod’s growing reputation as a wellspring of exceptional artistic and creative talent, she stressed.
“Silenced Nights”, written by Troy Espiritu and shot on location in Tondo’s Happyland, tells the story of an ordinary laborer, who becomes a witness to the killing of a teenage boy by the police, drawing inspiration from the tragic and historically-significant death of Kian delos Santos in 2017 during the government’s war on drugs, the resolution said.
“Silenced Nights” stars Nico Antonio, Lotlot de Leon, Ina Feleo, and Tanya Gomez, among others.
The TIFF Platform section serves as the festival’s competitive slate, showcasing 12 global works recognized for their distinct directorial vision, innovation, and auteur voice, with the winning non-English feature earning a Canadian $20,000 prize and a direct path for consideration in the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards, the resolution added. | CGC
