After a successful run in the US and local cinemas, the film "1521," starring Filipino actress Bea Alonzo as the lead, alongside American actor Hector David Jr., continues to make waves in the international circuit, having just received another award. Francis Lara Ho of Inspire Studios won the Producer of the Year Award at the Wu Wei Taipei International Film Festival during the Philippines Awards and Gala Night at WESTAR Theater in Taipei, Taiwan, on September 1. The recognition showcased the noble intention of placing the Philippines at the forefront by producing films that enhance the nation's reputation for a global audience. The award was given conjunction with the annual international film festival and awards night held in Ximending, Taipei, Taiwan, celebrating cross-cultural collaborations. The event was organized by the Filcom Taiwan Network Group in association with the EEC, Maryknoll and Taipei Film Commission. Ho, a confessed "crazy visionary" who plunged himself into producing the historical romance film mentioned in his acceptance speech that in 1994, three of his siblings were overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and how 30 years later he came back to Taipei to realize what he had promised to do: to continue serving, inspiring, impacting, and influencing others, through film. He pointed out that "1521" is his way of serving his country, describing it as his gift to his motherland, the Philippines. "1521" is the story of a young, female tribe member and a foreign interpreter who fall in love in the most unlikely situations. They must choose to either follow their hearts or abide by their respective duties to their countries. The film also stars Danny Trejo, Maricel Laxa and Costas Mandylor under the direction of Michael Copon, who also portrayed Lapu-Lapu in the period piece. "1521" has already won four international awards and is now streaming in the USA and Canada on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+ under the distribution of Hollywood film production and distribution company, Gravitas Ventures. For more information about the film, log on to 1521movie.com.