GMA programs cited in US filmfest

MANILA, Philippines - The golden harvest continues for GMA News and Public Affairs as the news organization wins a total of five Certificates for Creative Excellence at the 2012 US International Film and Video Festival (USIFVF). 

GMA Network received two Certificates for Creative Excellence: 24 Oras: Lola Aurelia story (TV News: News Features/Segments) and I-Witness: Gintong Putik (Documentary Programs: Social Issues).

24 Oras presents the touching story of 78-year-old Aurelia Matias and her search for her missing husband Luis. A photographer posted a heartbreaking picture of Aurelia waiting for her lost husband on social media. The post went viral and soon after, Lola Aurelia was able to find her husband. 24 Oras exclusively captured the tearful reunion of Lola Aurelia and Lolo Luis, their love warming the hearts of viewers nationwide.

I-Witness’ Gintong Putik, on the other hand, takes Peabody awardee Kara David to the town of Paracale in Camarines Norte where she meets children burrowing for gold in the rice fields.

On its second year, GMA News TV is proving the world-class calibre of its programming with three recognitions from this year’s USIFVF: State of the Nation with Jessica Soho’s Trahedya ni Sendong Coverage (TV News: Continuing News Stories), Front Row’s Yaman Sa Basura (Documentary Programs: Social Issues), and Reel Time’s Lusong (Documentary Programs: Social Issues).

Airing live from Cagayan de Oro, the worst hit province, State of the Nation’s special coverage provided viewers an unparalleled reportage of the devastation brought by Typhoon Sendong in Central Mindanao, particularly the provinces of Iligan, Negros Oriental and Cagayan de Oro a week before Christmas last year.

Front Row’s Yaman sa Basura, which features children who engage in hazardous urban mining at the Smokey Mountain, and Reel Time’s Lusong, a story on families who dive into the dirty waters of Manila Bay in search of trash to sell, were also winners at the 2012 New York Festivals.   

GMA Network and GMA News TV’s entries are the only USIFVF winners from the Philippines this year.