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Filipino independent film producer Alemberg “Alem” Ang is representing Philippine cinema on the international stage as a jury member of the prestigious Sutherland Award at the 70th BFI London Film Festival, running from October 7 to 18, 2026, in London and across the United Kingdom.
Ang joins award-winning British-Egyptian actor and producer Amir El-Masry, who chairs the jury, and international film sales, distribution, and awards strategist Rosa Bosch, a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Together, they will select the winner of the festival’s First Feature Competition, which recognizes emerging filmmakers from around the world.
BFI London Film Festival Sutherland Award co-juror Alemberg AngAng described his appointment as both a professional milestone and an opportunity to highlight the growing influence of Southeast Asian independent filmmaking.
“I am honored to be a juror of BFI London Film Festival’s Sutherland Award together with esteemed global colleagues Amir El-Masry and Rosa Bosch,” he said.
“For me, this is more than a personal milestone. It is a chance to represent Southeast Asian independent cinema and an affirmation of our voice and insight in the landscape of global cinema as a Filipino filmmaker.”
The Sutherland Award, established in 1957 and named after the fifth Duke of Sutherland, recognizes the most original and imaginative directorial debut.
This year’s competition features first-time filmmakers from the United Kingdom, United States, Thailand, Rwanda, Myanmar, Nigeria, India, Italy, and Belgium.
The BFI London Film Festival is among the UK’s most prominent international film events, presenting films making their UK debuts across venues in London’s South Bank and West End, as well as partner cinemas nationwide.
BFI London Film Festival Sutherland Award jury Amir El-Masry, Rosa Bosch and Alemberg Ang
Seated: Amir El-Masry and Alemberg Ang. Standing: Rosa BoschAng has established a substantial presence in independent cinema through his production company, Daluyong Studios, with more than 40 feature films to his credit.
Among his notable projects is Plan 75, which received a Special Mention for the Caméra d’Or at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival.
His other international credits include Agapito, a short film that competed for the Palme d’Or at Cannes in 2025, and 10s Across the Borders, an LGBTQ documentary exploring ballroom culture that premiered at the 2025 Busan International Film Festival.
His selection as a Sutherland Award juror further expands his involvement in international cinema, this time helping recognize promising new directors.
Aside from his jury duties, Ang is attending the festival for the UK premiere of Moonglow, a neo-noir film directed by and starring Filipino filmmaker Isabel Sandoval.
Set in pre-Martial Law Manila, the film follows a police officer who comes under investigation by a former lover.
The BFI has described Sandoval as “the queen of sensual cinema,” with Moonglow featured in the festival’s Thrill section.
Both scheduled screenings, on October 15 and 16, have sold out.
“Both Isabel and I will be there to present the film and engage the audience in the Q&A. Our film will have its Philippine premiere before the end of the year,” Ang confirmed.
The UK screenings give international audiences an opportunity to experience Sandoval’s latest work ahead of its anticipated Philippine premiere.
