Three-time Oscar-nominated actress Sigourney Weaver will be honored with the prestigious Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the 81st Venice Film Festival. Known for her iconic roles in franchises like ‘Alien’ and ‘Avatar,’ Weaver has captivated audiences with her powerful performances throughout her career.
Bianca Balbuena, a Filipino film producer, recalls her first experience at the Venice Film Festival, where her film “Engkwentro” faced a technical glitch but went on to win two awards. Inspired by the passion of producers she met there, Balbuena founded Epicmedia Productions and has since produced notable films like “A Lullaby to the Sorrowful Mystery” and “Nocebo.” This year, Epicmedia co-produced short films for the Directors’ Factory project in Dapitan, Philippines, and premiered “Viet and Nam” at the Venice Film Festival. Balbuena emphasizes the importance of attending festivals, networking, and building relationships with filmmakers for aspiring producers. She also expresses her hope for a future where women filmmakers are recognized simply as filmmakers without gender distinctions.
