"Give Up Tomorrow" receives Tribeca's audience award

Give Up Tomorrow is a documentary by Michael Collins which tells the story of Paco Larrañaga (19-years old at the time of his arrest) and his arrest back in 1997 for the kidnap, rape and murder of two twins sisters in the island of Cebu in the Philippines. According to the film, Larrañaga has maintained his innocence since his conviction for the said crime. His case attracted international support from different legal-rights groups and foreign governments.

The film won the audience award at the Tribeca Film Festival which was announced by the organizers on Sunday evening. Director Michael Collins is awarded a cash prize of $25,000 and the movie received a special jury mention in the festival's world documentary competition.

Tribeca Film Festival executive director Nancy Schafer stated, "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."

SOURCES: LA Times; Image