The Cinemalaya indie film "Brutus" starring Yul Servo and Ronnie Lazaro bagged the NETPAC award in the recently concluded 28th Louis Vuitton Hawaii International Film Festival.

The NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema) award is given at select international film festivals to promote Asian cinema by spotlighting exceptional films and discovering new talents from the region.

Directed by Tara Illenberger, Brutus is about two Mangyan children traveling the Lisap River in order to transport illegal logs. Along the way, they meet a rebel leader (played by Yul) who is being tracked down by the military led by Ronnie’s character. The Mangyan natives are played by young thespians Timothy Mabalot and Rhea Medina.

Here is the list of winners at the 2008 LVHIFF:

Halekulani Golden Orchid Award for Best Documentary:
Noho Hewa: The Wrongful Occupation of Hawai’i

Halekulani Golden Orchid Award for Best Narrative
Cape No. 7

Honolulu Magazine Award for Best Short Film:
Coffee and Allah

Honorable Mention:
Texas Girl

NETPAC Award
Brutus: The Adventure (Philippines)

Honorable Mention:
The Little Heart (Vietnam)

Viewers Choice Award Powered by Oceanic Time Warner Cable:
The Hollow

Film in Hawai’i Award:
Joan Lander and Puhipau
(Na Maka o ka ‘Aina)

Achievement in Acting:
Woo-sung JUNG

Maverick Award:
Ji-Woon KIM

Audience Award – to be announced.