The Israeli film The Band’s Visit, directed by Eran Kolirin, bagged the top prize at Dekada Cinemanila. The film is about a group of Egyptian police who arrived at the wrong destination in Israel. The Grand Jury Prize was awarded to The Amazing Truth About Queen Raquel. This film features a transsexual character on a Cinderella story.

Confessional by Jerrold Tarog and Ruel Antipuesto won in the South East Asian Competition. Imburnal by Anthony Sherad Sanchez got the top award in the local competition and Raya Martin, who was a previous Cinemanila winner received the Jury Prize for Next Attraction.

Congratulations to the organizers of Cinemanila 2008. This is a great event in promoting films from all over the world and showcasing Filipino talent to the rest of the world.