(SPOT.ph)Â Seeing a bit of yourself or your culture playing out on the big screen is always an experience. There's a lot to tell about the Filipino people and culture, and for Oscar-nominated Filipino-American animator Bobby Pontillas, it only feels right to tell more Filipino stories after the outpouring of support for his short film One Small Step, which was nominated at the 91st Academy Awards. Pontillas is scheduled to make an appearance at Icon Manila 2019, happening on September 20 and 21 at the Samsung Hall in SM Aura.
The animator worked with TAIKO Studios to bring One Small Step to life. The story revolves around Luna, a Chinese-American girl being raised by single dad, Chu, who runs a small shoe business to support her as she works towards her dream of becoming an astronaut. The story may be familiar to many in some way, but for Pontillas, he is reminded of how his single mom raised him in the U.S.
One Small Step lost to the animated short Bao, but getting an Oscar nomination, and receiving support from the Philippines, has inspired him to tell more stories based on the Philippines and its culture.
The Icon Manila Entertainment Design Gathering is hosted by The Animation Council of the Philippines in partnership with the De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde. The annual event serves as an avenue for professionals and students in the entertainment design industry to meet and exchange ideas. It is a non-profit event and all proceeds will go to humanitarian and medical missions in the country.
For more information, check Icon Manila's website.
