For the first time in the Vancouver International Film Festival’s (VIFF) history, a Filipino film was shown to a sold-out crowd at the Vancity Theater downtown. It doesn’t matter that the film was about Philippine poverty again, “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank” showed how a cliché among the country’s independent film industry can still be a blockbuster hit both at home and abroad. The success was extra sweet for first time director Marlon Rivera, considering that the VIFF is also the movie’s debut in the international film festival scene. Rivera, in a Q&A with the audience after the screening, admitted the idea for the movie was born from different stereotypes plaguing the indie film industry. Poverty & prostitution, check. Darkbscenes and shaky camera movement, present. But whether it was the twist of a musical in a slum area backdrop or the comedic realities screaming in the script, “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank” was refreshing and entertaining,

The film’s star Eugene Domingo for her part was overwhelmed with the Filipinos’ reception to their film. “It’s my first time in Vancouver,its very pretty.. especially kababayans. Ang sasaya nila, ang gaganda nila, kamukha ko sila,” said Domingo. This early, the film is already a contender for awards in the international film arena. “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank” is nominated for the Dragons & Tigers Award for Young Cinema at the VIFF. The award is given to “a new director from Pacific Asia… to a creative and innovative film, made early in the director’s career, which has not yet won significant international recognition.”

Both the filmmaker and Domingo, together with the movie’s producers are also hoping that this is just the beginning of a recognition-filled season. “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank” is the Philippines’ submission for the 2011 Academy Awards for Best Foreign Film. Aside from the VIFF, the film is also an official entry to the Pusan International Film Festival, the Tokyo International Film Festival and the Berlin Film Festival among others.

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