Dolly de Leon hopeful Philippine entry will get Oscars consideration

MANILA, Philippines — Actress Dolly de Leon is encouraging Filipinos to help promote and market "Iti Mapukpukaw," the Philippines' entry to the Best International Feature Film category of the 2024 Academy Awards.

The film, which Dolly stars with Carlo Aquino and Gio Gahol, made history as the first animated feature to be nominated and win Best Film at the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.

Dolly received the Best Supporting Actress trophy earlier this year for her role in the film.

At the opening night of 11th QCinema International Film Festival, Dolly shared with members of the media including Philstar.com her reactions to the film's grassroots campaign for awards consideration.

"'Yun talaga ang pinakakailangan namin, ang suporta ng mga tao to spread the word about 'Iti Mapukpukaw' na ma-nominate siya for consideration sa Oscars," said Dolly. "Ito na 'yung chance natin, ng Pilipinas, na ipakita gaano tayo kagaling. And it's really a beautiful film."

Despite positive remarks for her performance as well as Carlo's, Dolly directed the praise to the movie's director-writer Carl Joseph Papa and the nearly hundred animators who worked on the film.

WATCH: Dolly de Leon also raves about the grassroots campaign and positive criticism for Cinemalaya 2023 winner “Iti Mapukpukaw,” the Philippines’ entry to the 2024 Academy Awards. @PhilstarShowbiz @PhilstarNews pic.twitter.com/yo9gbXX60P

"If not for them, wala 'yung pelikulang 'to. It's a team effort," Dolly ended.

The rotoscope animated film follows a mouthless animator named Eric who crosses paths with a familiar alien.

The Philippines' entry to the Oscars last year was "On the Job: The Missing 8," a film that won John Arcilla the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the 78th Venice International Film Festival.

Dolly also appeared in the country's 2019 entry "Verdict," while John starred in the back-to-back entries, "Heneral Luna" and "Birdshot."

No Philippine submission has made the nominees shortlist since the country's first attempt in 1953 with Manuel Conde's "Genghis Khan."

Other popular entries include "Ganito Kami Noon... Paano Kayo Ngayon?," "Karnal," "Dekada '70," "Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros,"