A Preview Of Cinemalaya's Feature Films In Competition
posted on Monday, July 14, 2008 in Festivals, Indie Films
Cinemalaya, over the last three years, has become the festival to watch for emerging talents in Philippine cinema. They have ten full length feature films in competition this year. Here’s a quick look at all of them.
100
Written and Directed by Chris Martinez
The Gist: A woman tries to accomplish a list of 100 things to do before she dies.
Starring Mylene Dizon, Eugene Domingo, Tessie Tomas, TJ Trinidad, Ryan Eigenmann
The Draw: Obviously, the cast is a major factor. This is a cast of pretty well known actors and actresses, led by the always-formidable Mylene Dizon. The film looks pretty fierce, with a powerful imperative style that really pushes the narrative forward. And Chris Martinez is just a talented man.
What to expect: A bit of The Bucket List, but edgier, and minus the senior citizens.
Screenings:
July 15, 6:15PM (GALA), Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
July 17, 3:30PM, Bulwangang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
July 17, 9:00PM, Tanghalang Huseng Batute
July 19, 3:30PM, Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
July 19, 9:00PM, Bulwangang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
BABY ANGELO
Directed by Joel Ruiz
Written by Joel Ruiz and Abi Aquino
Starring Jojit Lorenzo, Katherine Luna, Ces Quesada, Diana Malahay
The Gist: The shady residents of a rundown apartment complex find an aborted baby in the garbage.
The Draw: The film has an interesting look. Muted colors transport us to a pretty shady world, where everyone’s hiding something. It all looks pretty compelling, and it should make for some complex storytelling.
What to expect: Shades of grey, literally and figuratively.
Screenings:
July 15, 9:00PM, Bulwangang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
July 17, 9:00PM (GALA), Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
July 18, 12:45PM, Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre)
July 18, 6:15PM, Bulwangang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
BOSES
Directed by Ellen Ongkeko Marfil and Milo Paz
Written by Froi Medina and Rody Vera
Starring Coke Bolipata, Julian Duque, Ricky Davao, Meryll Soriano, Cherry Pie Picache
The Gist: A jaded musician finds himself by giving violin lessons to a talented child from the slums.
The Draw: Boses looks to be a moving little picture that uses music as its starting point. Julian Duque, who plays the kid in the picture, is a genuine young talent, whose skills with the violin are sure to enchant.
What to expect: Some prodigious violin playing. And family drama.
Screenings:
July 16, 6:15PM (GALA), Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
July 18, 12:45PM, Bulwangang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
July 18, 9:00PM, Tanghalang Huseng Batute
July 19, 9:00PM, Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
BRUTUS
Directed by Tara Illenberger
Starring Yul Servo
The Gist: Two Mangyan kids take a perilous journey on a raft, smuggling illegally logged wood for greedy men.
The Draw: The film makes really good use of the Mindoro landscape. Based on the trailer, the film looks absolutely stunning, and it really makes a good case for the preservation of these places.
What to expect: Gorgeous landscapes. Lots of it.
Screenings:
July 15, 9:00PM, Tanghalang Huseng Batute
July 16, 3:30PM, Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
July 18, 9:00PM, Bulwangang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
July 19, 6:15PM (GALA), Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
July 20, 3:30PM, Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre)
CONCERTO
Written and Directed by Paul Alexander Y. Morales
Starring Jay Aquitania, Meryll Soriano, Shamaine Buencamino, Nonoy Froilan
The Gist: In the tail end of World War II, a Filipino family holds a piano concert for a group of Japanese officers.
The Draw: Period films are always interesting. This one also happens to be based on a true story. The film appears to have epic aspirations, setting the tone with powerful and sweeping camera movements. This is a fine-looking picture, and the talent involved only helps things.
What to expect: Period drama goodness. And piano music.
Screenings:
July 15, 3:30PM, Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
July 16, 9:00PM, Tanghalang Huseng Batute
July 17, 9:00PM (GALA), Bulwangang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
July 18, 9:00PM, Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
July 19, 3:30PM, Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre)
HULING PASADA
Directed by Paul Sta. Ana and Alvin Yapan
Written by Paul Sta. Ana
Starring Agot Isidro, Neil Ryan Sese, Dimples Romana, John Manalo
The Gist: A prolific writer begins to blur the lines between reality and fiction as she tries to finish a story.
The Draw: This is probably the competition’s headiest film. It’s certainly the most ambitious, with its story-within-a-story conceit and its complex structure. It also has the most interesting look among the films, with strong, bright colors that add just a touch of unreality to everything. The film promises to be emotionally powerful as well.
What to expect: Metafiction. Postmodernism. Lots of thinking to be done.
Screenings:
July 15, 6:15PM, Bulwangang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
July 18, 12:45PM, Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
July 18, 3:30PM, Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre)
July 19, 3:30PM, Bulwangang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
JAY
Written and Directed by Francis Pasion
Starring Baron Geisler, Coco Martin, Flor Salanga, Angelica Rivera
The Gist: A TV producer tries to document the life and family of a gay hate crime victim.
The Draw: Jay looks to tackle some pretty tough issues, and it does it with a high-energy, action-oriented style that doesn’t pull any punches. The film looks like it’s going to be a pretty emotionally wrenching ride.
What to expect: A critical eye turned to gay issues, and how authorities and the media deal with it.
Screenings:
July 16, 3:30PM, Bulwangang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
July 17, 12:45PM, Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
July 17, 3:30PM, Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre)
July 19, 3:30PM, Bulwangang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
MY FAKE AMERICAN ACCENT
Directed by Ned Trespeces
Starring Mailes Kanapi, Jonathan Neri
The Gist: A slice of life comedy following the lives of a group of call center agents.
The Draw: The call center industry has radically Philippine life, making up a good chunk of our current workforce. It only makes sense that a film has finally been made that portrays the stories of this pretty significant section of society. Based on the trailer, the film looks young, urban and fun.
What to expect: Real-life tales from the call center world.
Screenings:
July 15, 3:30PM, Bulwangang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
July 18, 3:30PM, Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
July 18, 6:15PM, Tanghalang Huseng Batute
July 20, 12:45PM, Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre)
NAMETS!
Directed by Jay Abello
Written by Vicente Garcia Groyon
Starring Christian Vasquez, Angel Jacob, Peque Gallaga
The Gist: In Bacolod, a chef gets his life (and his restaurant) turned upside down when a food consultant is hired to shake things up.
The Draw: Namets! is probably the only in this year’s competition that’s completely angst-free. Instead, it’s a celebration of the food culture of Bacolod, which let me tell you, is quite the worthy endeavor.
What to Expect: Lots of food. Lots of love. And oh, subtitles.
Screenings:
July 15, 6:15PM, Tanghalang Huseng Batute
July 16, 9:00PM, Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
July 18, 3:30PM, Bulwangang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
July 18, 6:15PM, Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
July 19, 12:45PM, Bulwangang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
RANCHERO
Directed by Michael Christian Cardoz
Starring Archie Adamos, Garry Lim, Joselito Carascal, Robert Correa
The Gist: A couple of convicts who prepare a jail’s meals find themselves in trouble when a kitchen knife goes missing.
The Draw: The premise alone is terribly interesting. It’s an elegant little setup to what could be a fascinating little prison tale. From the looks of it, Ranchero will take us deep into the lives of these prisoners, minus the sensationalism that usually follows.
What to Expect: An honest look at prison life.
Screenings:
July 16, 6:15PM, Bulwangang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
July 17, 3:30PM, Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
July 17, 6:15PM, Tanghalang Huseng Batute
July 19, 12:45PM, Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre)
Visit ClickTheCity's Cinemalaya 2008 Special.
View Showtimes.
100Written and Directed by Chris Martinez
The Gist: A woman tries to accomplish a list of 100 things to do before she dies.
Starring Mylene Dizon, Eugene Domingo, Tessie Tomas, TJ Trinidad, Ryan Eigenmann
The Draw: Obviously, the cast is a major factor. This is a cast of pretty well known actors and actresses, led by the always-formidable Mylene Dizon. The film looks pretty fierce, with a powerful imperative style that really pushes the narrative forward. And Chris Martinez is just a talented man.
What to expect: A bit of The Bucket List, but edgier, and minus the senior citizens.
Screenings:
July 15, 6:15PM (GALA), Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
July 17, 3:30PM, Bulwangang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
July 17, 9:00PM, Tanghalang Huseng Batute
July 19, 3:30PM, Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
July 19, 9:00PM, Bulwangang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
BABY ANGELODirected by Joel Ruiz
Written by Joel Ruiz and Abi Aquino
Starring Jojit Lorenzo, Katherine Luna, Ces Quesada, Diana Malahay
The Gist: The shady residents of a rundown apartment complex find an aborted baby in the garbage.
The Draw: The film has an interesting look. Muted colors transport us to a pretty shady world, where everyone’s hiding something. It all looks pretty compelling, and it should make for some complex storytelling.
What to expect: Shades of grey, literally and figuratively.
Screenings:
July 15, 9:00PM, Bulwangang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
July 17, 9:00PM (GALA), Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
July 18, 12:45PM, Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre)
July 18, 6:15PM, Bulwangang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
BOSESDirected by Ellen Ongkeko Marfil and Milo Paz
Written by Froi Medina and Rody Vera
Starring Coke Bolipata, Julian Duque, Ricky Davao, Meryll Soriano, Cherry Pie Picache
The Gist: A jaded musician finds himself by giving violin lessons to a talented child from the slums.
The Draw: Boses looks to be a moving little picture that uses music as its starting point. Julian Duque, who plays the kid in the picture, is a genuine young talent, whose skills with the violin are sure to enchant.
What to expect: Some prodigious violin playing. And family drama.
Screenings:
July 16, 6:15PM (GALA), Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
July 18, 12:45PM, Bulwangang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
July 18, 9:00PM, Tanghalang Huseng Batute
July 19, 9:00PM, Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
BRUTUSDirected by Tara Illenberger
Starring Yul Servo
The Gist: Two Mangyan kids take a perilous journey on a raft, smuggling illegally logged wood for greedy men.
The Draw: The film makes really good use of the Mindoro landscape. Based on the trailer, the film looks absolutely stunning, and it really makes a good case for the preservation of these places.
What to expect: Gorgeous landscapes. Lots of it.
Screenings:
July 15, 9:00PM, Tanghalang Huseng Batute
July 16, 3:30PM, Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
July 18, 9:00PM, Bulwangang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
July 19, 6:15PM (GALA), Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
July 20, 3:30PM, Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre)
CONCERTOWritten and Directed by Paul Alexander Y. Morales
Starring Jay Aquitania, Meryll Soriano, Shamaine Buencamino, Nonoy Froilan
The Gist: In the tail end of World War II, a Filipino family holds a piano concert for a group of Japanese officers.
The Draw: Period films are always interesting. This one also happens to be based on a true story. The film appears to have epic aspirations, setting the tone with powerful and sweeping camera movements. This is a fine-looking picture, and the talent involved only helps things.
What to expect: Period drama goodness. And piano music.
Screenings:
July 15, 3:30PM, Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
July 16, 9:00PM, Tanghalang Huseng Batute
July 17, 9:00PM (GALA), Bulwangang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
July 18, 9:00PM, Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
July 19, 3:30PM, Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre)
HULING PASADADirected by Paul Sta. Ana and Alvin Yapan
Written by Paul Sta. Ana
Starring Agot Isidro, Neil Ryan Sese, Dimples Romana, John Manalo
The Gist: A prolific writer begins to blur the lines between reality and fiction as she tries to finish a story.
The Draw: This is probably the competition’s headiest film. It’s certainly the most ambitious, with its story-within-a-story conceit and its complex structure. It also has the most interesting look among the films, with strong, bright colors that add just a touch of unreality to everything. The film promises to be emotionally powerful as well.
What to expect: Metafiction. Postmodernism. Lots of thinking to be done.
Screenings:
July 15, 6:15PM, Bulwangang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
July 18, 12:45PM, Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
July 18, 3:30PM, Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre)
July 19, 3:30PM, Bulwangang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
JAYWritten and Directed by Francis Pasion
Starring Baron Geisler, Coco Martin, Flor Salanga, Angelica Rivera
The Gist: A TV producer tries to document the life and family of a gay hate crime victim.
The Draw: Jay looks to tackle some pretty tough issues, and it does it with a high-energy, action-oriented style that doesn’t pull any punches. The film looks like it’s going to be a pretty emotionally wrenching ride.
What to expect: A critical eye turned to gay issues, and how authorities and the media deal with it.
Screenings:
July 16, 3:30PM, Bulwangang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
July 17, 12:45PM, Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
July 17, 3:30PM, Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre)
July 19, 3:30PM, Bulwangang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
MY FAKE AMERICAN ACCENTDirected by Ned Trespeces
Starring Mailes Kanapi, Jonathan Neri
The Gist: A slice of life comedy following the lives of a group of call center agents.
The Draw: The call center industry has radically Philippine life, making up a good chunk of our current workforce. It only makes sense that a film has finally been made that portrays the stories of this pretty significant section of society. Based on the trailer, the film looks young, urban and fun.
What to expect: Real-life tales from the call center world.
Screenings:
July 15, 3:30PM, Bulwangang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
July 18, 3:30PM, Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
July 18, 6:15PM, Tanghalang Huseng Batute
July 20, 12:45PM, Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre)
NAMETS!Directed by Jay Abello
Written by Vicente Garcia Groyon
Starring Christian Vasquez, Angel Jacob, Peque Gallaga
The Gist: In Bacolod, a chef gets his life (and his restaurant) turned upside down when a food consultant is hired to shake things up.
The Draw: Namets! is probably the only in this year’s competition that’s completely angst-free. Instead, it’s a celebration of the food culture of Bacolod, which let me tell you, is quite the worthy endeavor.
What to Expect: Lots of food. Lots of love. And oh, subtitles.
Screenings:
July 15, 6:15PM, Tanghalang Huseng Batute
July 16, 9:00PM, Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
July 18, 3:30PM, Bulwangang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
July 18, 6:15PM, Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
July 19, 12:45PM, Bulwangang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
RANCHERODirected by Michael Christian Cardoz
Starring Archie Adamos, Garry Lim, Joselito Carascal, Robert Correa
The Gist: A couple of convicts who prepare a jail’s meals find themselves in trouble when a kitchen knife goes missing.
The Draw: The premise alone is terribly interesting. It’s an elegant little setup to what could be a fascinating little prison tale. From the looks of it, Ranchero will take us deep into the lives of these prisoners, minus the sensationalism that usually follows.
What to Expect: An honest look at prison life.
Screenings:
July 16, 6:15PM, Bulwangang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
July 17, 3:30PM, Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
July 17, 6:15PM, Tanghalang Huseng Batute
July 19, 12:45PM, Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre)
Visit ClickTheCity's Cinemalaya 2008 Special.
View Showtimes.
