Give Up Tomorrow wins audience award at Tribeca

The 10th annual Tribeca Film Festival has given the Heineken Audience Award to Give Up Tomorrow.

Director Michael Collins receives a cash prize of $25,000.

Films in the World Narrative Competition, World Documentary Competition, Viewpoints, Spotlight and Cinemania sections were eligible for the Heineken Audience Award, the audience choice for best feature film.

Give Up Tomorrow had also received a special jury mention in the World Documenatry Competition.

The film is a rich history with Tribeca — it was supported by Tribeca Film Institute’s Gucci Tribeca Documentary Fund, and Collins is an alumnus of the Tribeca Film Institute’s Tribeca All Access program.

The documentary follows the story of a culinary student who was arrested for rape and murder in the Philippines in 1997 despite evidence of his innocence.

“From the first standing ovation of Give Up Tomorrow at its premiere at the Festival it was clear that audiences were passionate about the portrayal of Paco Larrañaga’s unjust incarceration. We hope that the film will raise awareness of Paco’s plight and lead to his freedom,” said Nancy Schafer, Executive Director of the Tribeca Film Festival. “This film is remarkably well crafted and I hope this award brings it the additional visibility it deserves.”

Collins said: “Tribeca was there from the beginning. They really gave us the introduction to the film world. This award gives us so much hope. Now I know that the film is going to be seen by a broader audience and I’m incredibly grateful.”