GMA-7 programs in NY Fest roster of finalists

CEBU, Philippines - Eleven entries from GMA-7 were chosen as finalists in the prestigious 2014 New York Festival’s International Television and Film Awards.

Programs, specials, a music video, a promotional package from the Kapuso network, as well as broadcast journalist Jessica Soho, earned the nod of the international panel of directors, producers, writers, actors and creative media professionals in the first round of judging.

GMA News and Public Affairs had nine entries achieving finalist status. Calling the competition as having the “world’s best” in the television and film industries, the New York Festival (NYF) “honors programming in all lengths and forms from over 50 countries.”

The NYF website said the International Television and Film Competition categories “mirror today’s global trends and encourage the next generation of storytellers and talent.” GMA-7 entries that made the cut are:

Best Coverage of Breaking News: QUICK RESPONSE TEAM

The live on-the-ground reportage of the Zamboanga siege led by anchor Jiggy Manicad on GMA News TV.

Best News Reporter/Correspondent: JESSICA SOHO

Soho’s report entitled, “Photographs of Typhoon Pablo”, on the top-rating weekly magazine program, “Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho,” captured the pain and suffering in the wake of Typhoon Pablo (international codename: Bopha).

Community Portraits: TUNAY NA BUHAY “Mga Sanggol at Langaw”

A feature on the sub-human conditions in the slums of Tondo, Manila as inhabitants make a living out of scavenging trash.

Community Portraits: BRIGADA “Gintong Krudo at Sipa ng Pag-asa”

A story on impoverished children who swim through the filthy waters of the Navotas Fish Port to collect and sell spilled oil.

Community Portraits: FRONT ROW “Lusong Dunong”

A story on the San Esteban Elementary School pupils and teachers holding classes in flooded rooms.

Community Service Program: REEL TIME “Silang Wala sa Mapa”

A documentary on how the B’laan indigenous people of Mindanao survived for generations without modern medicine.

History and Society: I-WITNESS “Ganito Tayo Noong Martial Law”

A documentary on the oppressive conditions under the Marcos dictatorship.

Social Issues: CAMERA JUAN “2013 Elections”

A documentary in collaboration with internationally acclaimed cinema director Brillante Mendoza profiling the Filipino voter.

Music Video: DAPAT TAMA

GMA Network’s advocacy campaign for a well-informed electorate in collaboration with rap artist Gloc 9.

Childrens/Youth Program: TROPANG POTCHI

A program about children discovering and relating to other children from different backgrounds and cultures, and advocating Filipino family values.

Station/Image Promotion: “Diploma”

GMA Program Support’s advocacy spot on education being key to personal as well as a nation's success.

All finalists will proceed to a second round judging by “The Grand Jury,” whose members are comprised of award-winning industry experts from around the globe. They will determine the Grand Trophy Award recipients, as well as Gold, Silver, and Bronze medalists. Winners will be presented at the 2014 Television and Film Awards Ceremony on April 8, at the annual NAB Show in Las Vegas. (PR)(FREEMAN)