Interview by Franz Sorilla IV
Tatler Philippines
Review by Navid Nikkhah Azad
ZIZ.NEWS
Review by Panos Kotzathanasis
Asia Movie Pulse
“A masterclass in filmmaking - this film is both subtle yet powerful with strong direction throughout. The cinematography is beautifully precise and director Sam Manacsa establishes a world that is authentic, well designed, with perfectly crafted characters. The restrained editing only adds to the intrigue and sets up a memorable yet surprising ending. Outstanding on every level."
Rodney Llaverías, Radka Weiserová, Kristofer Piir
POFF Shorts Live Action Competition 2023 Jury
"A film of impressive intensity and drama that lives intimately in the world of its characters. Unflinching in its approach to the subject of exploitative labour, the film rests on the fragile balance between hopelessness and hope. While the film is poignant and tragic, the empathy that the characters elicit lingers beyond the violence they face. A very personal directorial vision that is sure to make a mark in years to come."
Allegra Bell, Ilinca Vânău, Amy Hemmer
Leeds International Film Festival 2023 Short Film Competition Jury
"The director's ability to draw the audience into the protagonist's world is a testament to the thoughtful and precise direction. Every frame seems purposeful, contributing to the overall impact of the story. Her command over the storytelling medium is evident, especially in the delicate handling of the promise of hope that, in turn, introduces an element of potential tragedy. For these reasons, we would like to commend and celebrate Sam Manacsa’s Cross My Heart and Hope To Die as a work of artistry, and for its precision in capturing both the fragility and strength of the human experience."
Cho Hyun Jin, Shai Heredia, Tan Bee Thiam
Singapore International Film Festival 2023 Short Film Competition Jury
"The Jury would like to award the Grand Prize to a film that is striking in both its visual and storytelling acuity. The film speaks in an authentic cultural voice, with exceptional cinematography and a surprising, tension-filled storyline filled with well-earned misdirection. The stakes are high, the tension superb, and what seems to be at first glance a story of a poignant potential love explodes in the final scenes. The Grand Prize goes to Cross My Heart and Hope to Die."
Anne-Marie Cadieux, Kathleen Mcinnis, Nishina Loft,
Pier-Philippie Chevigny, Theodore Ushev
Regard International Short Film Festival 2024 Jury
"Through strong and daring formal choices, the film completely immerses us in the inner life of its alienated character, making us feel and care for her journey between despair, loneliness and the call for human connection."
Davy Chou, Phuttiphong Aroonpheng, Shireen Seno
Bangkok ASEAN Film Festival 2023 Short Film Competition Jury
"For the sensitive, rigorous and engaging direction of this feminine look at exploration, violence and affections in a large metropolis".
Angela Lopez Ruiz, Metheus Pecanha, Luciano Perez Fernandez
Curta Cinema Festival – Rio de Janeiro International Festival 2024 Jury
“An intricately constructed story, beautifully told with grand, bold, and yet also mysteriously wide-angle shots. The perfect design and sensitive performances contribute to the film’s overall tone. It is a masterpiece by a director whose works it will pay to follow,”