Why is 'Noy' the Philippines' entry to Oscars 2011?

When the Film Academy of the Philippines chose the movie Noy as the Philippines' entry to the Best Foreign Language Film category of the 83rd Academy Awards, it was vying against four other equally qualified movies.

So what made Noy stand out from the rest of these films? Jose Carreon, one of the five members of the FAP special committee, gave the following reason.

"Dapat may local color and Pinoy ang dating. Meron rin dapat international appeal, 'saka yung craft dapat world-class. Dapat ang theme ng pelikula Pinoy pero universal ang message nito." (source: PEP.ph)

About Noy The Movie

Noy The Movie is a docu drama film starring Coco Martin and Erich Gonzales. Coco Martin also co-produced, co-conceptualize and co-directed the movie.

Coco Martin first thought of doing a documentary about the Philippine elections. But it was only after shooting the footage of Senator Noynoy's campaign did the concept evolve into a full-fledged docu-film.

Noy became a hybrid of documentary and film featuring real footages of Senator Noynoy's presidential campaign in 20 provinces within six months. But the film's story revolves around an aspiring journalist named Noy (Coco Martin) who has to deal with the numerous problems of his family.

Noy is produced by CineMedia Productions, together with VIP Access Group and distributed by Star Cinema. It is directed by Dondon Santos.

It was released on June 2, 2010.

Noy Plot Summary/Synopsis

Forced to find a job as his family's breadwinner, Noy (Coco Martin) poses as a journalist commissioned to come up with a documentary following the campaign trail of his namesake and top presidential bet, Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino for the 2010 Philippine National elections.

The film, infused with actual documentary footage inter-cut with dramatic scenes, deals with themes of poverty, survival and hope for the Filipino family.

Oscars 2011 Best Foreign Language Film

The producers have until October 1 to submit all the requirements to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), the organization that hands out the Oscars.

By the end of the year, the members of the Foreign Language Film Award Committee of the AMPAS will vote by secret ballot to nominate five motion pictures for this award.

The foreign language films that will compete in the 83rd Academy Awards will be announced on January 25, 2011 at the Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills. The 2011 Oscar Awards will take place on February 27, 2011.