Award-winning Filipino film and documentary producer and director Roderick Cabrido adds another feather to his cap as he bagged the Best Director award for his horror film "Clarita" at the 10th edition of the Mirabile Dictu International Catholic Film Festival held this week in Vatican City, beating other directors from Peru and Italy.

The young filmmaker is also known for his films "Pinays for Export," "Tasaday," "Yaman sa Basura," "Cuchera" and "Nuwebe," which received recognition locally and internationally.

In an online interview with ABS-CBN News, Cabrido shared how happy he was upon hearing the good news even while he wasn't able to attend the awarding ceremonies.

"I feel honored knowing that my work has been recognized in an international level, I am grateful to my whole cast and staff who helped me to make this film possible, to my colleagues and to my friend Jodi Sta. Maria (lead actress in the film) who trusted me [in] making this project possible,” said Cabrido.

The film was based on a true story that happened in Manila in 1953. Clarita Villanueva, a young woman arrested for vagrancy, claimed that she was being tormented by unseen demons. Sta. Maria's acting prowess has definitely left a mark on this genre as her character has become as infamous as the film.

• Movie review: Jodi Sta. Maria deserves best actress nod for 'Clarita'

The faith of priests Salvador, played by Ricky Davao, and Benedicto, played by Aaron Villaflor, is severely tested by the demonic possession of Clarita. In their attempt to help the woman, they encounter demonic obstacles that will damage their lives and bring their faith to the limit.

The talented cast include the late Tony Mabesa, Yayo Aguila, Nonie Buencamino, Romnick Sarmienta, Alyssa Muhlach and Bibeth Orteza.

In 2017, the film "Ignacio de Loyola: Soldier, Sinner, Saint" by another Filipino director, Paolo Dy, won best film at the festival. It was dedicated to the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola.

The Mirabile Dictu film festival provides a platform for producers and filmmakers, documentaries, docu-fiction, TV series, short films and programs to promote universal moral values, which Cabrido demonstrated in his film.

"I think it is important to have your movie reach a global audience to tell them a story that can be a source of their inspiration, to make them reflect in the situation of the society or impart a lesson that they can cherish,” said Cabrido.

The 35-year-old director wants to reach as many people as possible through his works.

"Every film festival has a different criteria of choosing their curated films and standards of which they think is the best. I am just grateful that Clarita is chosen to be part of the competition,” added Cabrido.