This week is FEU’s turn in the second year of “FEUlikulahan” a film festival honoring five films that have earned accolades abroad. To be screened free at the FEU Theater are “Confessional” (Nov. 18, 3p.m.); “Himala” (Nov. 19, 3p.m.) and “Astig” (Nov. 19, 6p.m.); “Kinatay” (Nov. 20, 3p.m.) and “Lola” (Nov. 20, 6p.m.). In all the screenings, people involved in the production have been invited to ask questions in an open forum following the film showing.
“Confessional” is the least known of the four films presented. Directed by first timer Jerrold Tarog, it has already won Best Film in the First Features Category of the 10th Osian’s Cinefan in New Delhi , India in July 2008 where it competed with another Filipino entry, Jim Libiran’s “Tribu “ which we loved to death. I wonder why we missed out on “Confessional?” Will surely make it to the FEU screening. This same festival where Tarog won also gave a Lifetime Achievement Award to screenwriter Pete Lacaba who has sadly been away from the scene for at least a decade.
The digital film Confessional tells of a small-time filmmaker who goes to Cebu to document the Sinulog festival and stumbles upon an ex-politician who confesses his crimes for the camera. Is he telling the truth or is he like the camera manipulating the audience? Apparently the multi talented Tarog who writes, directs, scores films, and does sound engineering, was also winner in the Cinema One Originals and at the PMPC Star Awards for Movies. He is credited for the musical scoring of the much awarded Brillante Mendoza films “Kaleldo” and “Foster Child,” as well as Jeffrey Jeturian’s “Kubrador.” “Tarog” has finished a second feature “Magatyanan” which he says is a sequel to Confessional, the second in a trilogy of man and the camera. Truth versus fiction?
“Himala” is the best known film of Ishmael Bernal, if only for having Nora Aunor in the lead, and being brought back to the moviegoer’s attention by that recent award of CNN Best Film of all Time in the Asia-Pacific region. I have a special interest in this film, having stayed during its filming in the Paoay desert of Ilocos Norte 27 years ago. More than giving value to Nora who was already a celebrated talent at the time, it also practically launched the careers of such people before and behind the camera as Joel Lamangan, Racquel Villavicencio, Vangie Labalan, Pen Medina, Spanky Manikan, Joe Gruta, Richard Arellano, Ellen Ongkeko Marfil, and the late Ray Ventura.
“Astig” directed by GB Sampedro was 2009 Cinemalaya’s box office hit with a main cast of Dennis Trillo, Edgar Allan Guzman, Arnold Reyes, and Sid Lucero and cameo appearances ranging from Ai Ai delas Alas, Gardo Verzosa, Keana Reeves, to Boy Abunda himself who was one of the producers. This episodic rendering of people surving in the squalor of Manila was recently brought to the Pusan Film Festival. I remember the crowds at the CCP waiting for a glimpse of Dennis Trillo although Arnold ’s role was the best in the film. But let’s see what the FEU audience will think.
Next film scheduled may not be the most popular, but it certainly is the one that brought immeasurable pride to the Filipino filmmaker with Brillante ‘Dante’ Mendoza’s first ever award given to a Filipino – the Best Director Award at the Cannes Film Festival for the film “Kinatay.” Dante’s voyage into the dark crevices of the underworld has been called everything from “worst ever” to “a prurient and excruciating viewing experience that makes the audience partners in crimes of inhumanity.”
And perhaps to give Dante’s works a sense of balance, the last film is also his – “Lola” with Anita Linda and Rustica Carpio (who once headed FEU’s Cultural Office), in a sad paean to two lolas who survive in the harsh and unforgiving city, powered by the irrefutable love and devotion to their family.
The choices of the films are great, giving the principally student audience an idea of how it was then in the 80s and how it is now. The festival in under the program of the FEU President’s Committee on Culture headed by Martin Lopez. Call 7364897 for information. Peoples Journal, November 16, 2009
(Himala screenwriter Ricky Lee will be the guest speaker in the forum after the screening of the film, November 19, 2009, from 1:00 p.m. His books, Trip to Quiapo, Para Kay B, and Si Tatang at Mga Himala ng Ating Panahon, will be available at the FEU Theater.)
Critic Noel Vera describes Bona as "a masterpiece of acting ..." Here's his full description of the film in the Viennale program:
Bona is a middle-class schoolgirl who leaves home to work as a kind of slave to the man she loves, an aging feckless gigolo who treats her appallingly and eventually dumps her. The meek little Bona, however, exacts a terrible revenge.
Brocka is a master at sketching social hierarchies, and Bona contains fine examples of his skill. This film is a masterpiece of acting, psychology, self-revelation, realist cinema; we study it for its subtleties (of which I think there are many), but finally we experience it as a cathartic drama, an occasion for identification and reflection. Viewing the film, we see uncomfortable reminders of ourselves, by turns exploring and exploiting, seducing and betraying, adoring and abusing. Viewing the film, we realize that we are our own martyrs and monsters. (Noel Vera)
First Annual Filipino International Film Festival Los Angeles, California, October 16th, 17th, 18th, 2009 At The Regency Fairfax Cinema; 7907 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048
FIFFLA [Filipino International Film Festival Los Angeles] Organization is happy to announce its film selections for its first year. The Festival will take place on October 16th, 17th, & 18th in the heart of Hollywood at the Regency Fairfax Cinema, 7907 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048.
This three-day event will highlight award-winning features and short films from the Philippines and the United States. Tickets are now on Sale and the movie guide is available at www.fiffla.org. Email: info@fiffla.org YouTube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1K789l7Cd48
FIFFLA is a non-profit organization devoted to bringing films from the Philippines with the sole purpose to raise the global awareness of this new Renaissance of film making. Filipinos are, currently undergoing a new breed of talented filmmakers, writers, producers and actors who are collectively working to create these films for the world to see.
To give you a glimpse of where the future of Philippine Cinema is going, there will be a showcase of great films from the past, as well as new films in the present moment of time. Since this is our first year, FIFFLA is managing a way to best represent Philippine Cinema to its fullest.
The Film Festival is located in the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” solely devoted to the Filipino Films and Filipino talents. The chosen films are an eclectic view of what the festival represents and offers to the movie industry world, and they are an insight into our diverse culture, history and traditions. FIFFLA promises to deliver Philippine Cinema that is rarely seen which will be thought-provoking and inspirational.
Short Film Program #1 Date: Saturday, October 17th, 2009 Time: 5PM University of the Philippines Film Institute Showcase.
“Brown Soup Thing” Date: Saturday, October 17th, 2009 Time: 8:00PM
“Eskapo” Date: Sunday, October 18th, 2009 Time: 1:00PM
“Fidel” Date: Sunday, October 18th, 2009 Time: 1:00PM
“Tribu” Date: Sunday, October 18th, 2009 Time: 3:00PM
Short Program 2 Date: Sunday, October 18th, 2009 Time: 3:00PM
“Tambolista” Closing Night Date: Sunday, October 18th, 2009 Time: 7:00PM
The Festival will include; A “Round Table” initiative. Admission is FREE Date: Saturday, October 17th, 2009 Time: 6:00PM
FIFFLA will be donating $1.00 from every$10.00 ticket sold to the Philippines Typhoon Relief Fund.Typhoon Relief Fund will be given to theAyala Foundation USA.
Sponsored by the PABA Foundation, the roundtable will feature Fil-Am filmmakers, academics, actors and critics each of whom will discuss the status of Asian films and actors in Hollywood and international film festivals. The roundtable is free to the public and pending certification for 1.0 hour of CLE with the State Bar of California.
FIFFLA would like to thank its supporters and sponsors: Philippine Consulate of Los Angeles, Film Development Council of the Philippines-FDCP, University of the Philippines Film Institute, Millennium Biltmore Hotel, ABS-CBN Star Cinema, GMA Films, City of Los Angeles Mayors Office and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, PABA Foundation, Hobson&Dungog, LatinoWeeklyReview.com, Manila Sunset, FotoSeven, EndGame Entertainment, Triple Five Pacific Fastwell Inc., Hollywood Film & Acting Academy, FilAm Nation, Sky Sales Travel & Tours, Doug Mockett & Co, Vessel Drinkware, PinoyLife Style, Alex Magallanes Photography, BakitWhy.com, Vuqo and Haliya Wines, The Regency Theater Fairfax Cinema, Balita Newspaper - Mr. Romy Borje, LM Enterprise Linda Magalona, Mr. Errol Santos Board of Directors~FIFFLA and Copy Page.com,
*A portion of donations to FIFFLA are tax deductible. To claim your charitable contribution, please make out all checks and payments to: The PABA FOUNDATION, a public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. PABA Foundation is the fiscal sponsor of FIFFLA for the 2009 fiscal year.
This screening of Himala will be held in Kuala Lumpur. See the Annexe Gallery website for more details about the event and the organization.
MONDAY NIGHT MOVIE presents HIMALA
Selected and introduced by Amir Muhammad
Film Screening
Mon 6 July, 8pm
Presented by The Annexe Gallery: The Art & Soul of Kuala Lumpur
Admission Free, bring your own snacks
Monday Night Movie is a new series of monthly film screenings at The Annexe Gallery, with titles chosen and introduced by guest curators.
Our first title, chosen by filmmaker/writer/publisher Amir Muhammad, is Himala (“Miracle”, 1982), an award-winning Filipino film directed by the late Philippine National Artist Ishmael Bernal.
Based on a 1967 incident and news report, Himala tells the story of Elsa, a barrio lass whose visions of the Virgin Mary changes her life and causes hysteria in a poor, isolated village. The film is centered on the issues of religious faith and faithlessness. The film stars Philippine superstar Nora Aunor in the leading role.
The movie premiered at the 1982 Metro Manila Film Festival, and in 1983, became the first—and so far the only—Filipino film to be included in the “Competition Section” of the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival. Since then, Himala has been exhibited in a number of film festivals around the world. In 2008, Himala won the 2008 CNN Asia Pacific Screen Awards Viewers Choice Award for Best Asia-Pacific Film of all Time. ABOUT THE PRESENTER
Amir Muhammad is a writer, publisher and occasional filmmaker. Two of his previous documentaries, Lelaki Komunis Terakhir and Apa Khabar Orang Kampung, are banned in Malaysia. His works have screened in numerous international film festivals including Berlin and Sundance. He set up Matahari Books in 2007 to publish local non-fiction and film-related books. By the end of this year it would have published 20 books.
.MOV International Digital Film Festival and Mag:net Café Katipunan present a film series “Bernal in Love,” this month. The films celebrate film director Ishmael Bernal’s 13th death anniversary, with one week dedicated to his work. Here will also be a concert in his honor. Also to be shown this month are Pinoy romance movies from Fernando Poe Sr. to Angel Locsin. The films will be screened at Mag:net Katipunan, 335 Agcor Bldg., Katipunan Ave., QC.
Screening start at 5:30 p.m. Schedule follows:
June 5, Friday: Kahit Isang Saglit (2000, directed by Gilbert Perez; starring Judy Ann Santos and Piolo Pascual)
June 6, Saturday: Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw (2000, directed by Joyce Bernal; Regine Velasquez and Robin Padilla)
June 8, Monday: Sana Maulit Muli (1995, directed by Olivia Lamasan; Aga Muhlach and Lea Salonga)
June 9, Tuesday: Minsan Lang Kirang Iibigin (1993, directed by Chito Rono; Maricel Soriano, Gabby Concepcion and Zsa Zsa Padilla)
June 11, Thursday: May Minamahal (1992, directed by Jose Javier Reyes; Aga Muhlach, Aiko Melendez)
June 12, Friday: Ngayon at Kailanman (1992, directed by Joel Lamangan; Sharon Cuneta and Richard Gomez)
June 13, Saturday: Ikaw pa lang ang Minahal (1992, directed by Carlitos Sigiuon Reyna; Maricel Soriano and Richard Gomez)
June 22, Monday: Sinungaling Mong Puso (1992, directed by Maryo J. Delos Reyes; Vilma Santos, Aga Muhlach and Gabby Concepcion)
June 23, Tuesday: Bilangin mo ang Bituin sa Langit (1989, directed by Elwood Perez; Nora Aunor and Tirso Cruz III)
June 24, Wednesday: Soltero (1984, directed by Pio De Castro; Jay Ilagan, Chanda Romero and Rio Locsin)
June 25, Thursday: Dear Heart (1981, directed by Danny Zialcita; Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion)
June 26, Friday: Kung Mangarap ka’t Magising (1977, directed by Mike De Leon; Christopher De Leon and Hilda Koronel)
June 27, Saturday: Ang Daigdig ko’y Ikaw (1965, directed by Efren Reyes; Fernando Poe Jr. and Susan Roces)
June 29, Monday: Florante at Laura (1949, directed by Vicente Salumbides; Rogelio De La Rosa and Rosita Rivera)
June 30, Tuesday: Giliw Ko (1939, directed by Carlos Vander Tolosa, Fernando Poe Sr. and Mila Del Sol)
Ishmael Bernal Week
June 15, Monday: Dalawang Pugad... Isang Ibon (1977; Vilma Santos and Romeo Vasquez)
June 16, Tuesday: Ikaw ay Akin (1978; Nora Aunor, Vilma Santos and Christopher De Leon)
June 17, Wednesday:
- 5:30 p.m. Salawahan (1979; Rio Locsin and Jay Ilagan)
- 9 p.m. Bernal Night Concert featuring Itchy Worms, Goliath, Disco Ball, Biscochong Halimaw, Sanity Kit
- 11:30 p.m. Bakit may Pag-ibig Pa: Unang Kasaysayan (1979; Nora Aunor, Christopher De Leon)
June 18, Thursday: Relasyon (1982; Vilma Santos and Christopher De Leon)
June 19, Friday: Broken Marriage (1983; Vilma Santos and Christopher De Leon)
Merely five months into the year and 2009 is shaping up to be a milestone for Philippine Cinema in the global scene. With no less than four official selections in the Cannes Film Festival—the gold standard of world cinema—Filipino filmmakers are carving a special niche as compelling voices to be reckoned with. To be sure, Quentin Tarantino has been smitten, giving the director of Kinatay, the Philippines’ main competition entry in Cannes—and his own competitor for the Best Director award—a 10-minute standing ovation. Film festivals in Toronto, Venice, Pusan and Bangkok have been heaping awards on Filipino films, but have most Pinoys based in New York—easily the mecca of interesting foreign films in the US—heard of these critically acclaimed films, much less seen them?
Hold your breath for a few more days and you will get your chance. Timed to coincide with celebrations of Philippine Independence Day, the IndioBravo Film Festival 2009 will premiere June 11 at New York’s Museum of Modern Art, 11 West 53rd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues, showcasing films which exemplify the resurgence of Filipino cinema on the world’s screens.
The festival continues Friday through Sunday, June 12-14 at the Visual Arts Theater in Chelsea, 333 West 23 Street between 8th and 9th Avenues.
Tickets and the full schedule are available at www.indiobravo.org. Advance-purchase tickets ($12.50) are available until Friday, May 29.
Filipino film is the next wave of Asian cinema to watch. In 2007, a Filipino film showed at Cannes for the first time in 20 years. The celebrated filmmakers Brillante Mendoza (Kinatay and Serbis), Lav Diaz and Francis Pasion are all represented at IndioBravo 2009. The 15-feature lineup encompasses a wide spectrum of genres, styles and regional flavors—from comedy and drama to horror and animation—from regions such as Metro Manila, Cebu and Davao. Some of the biggest stars topbill these titles as well, like Jericho Rosales, Anne Curtis, Toni Gonzaga, Vhong Navarro, Mylene Dizon, Phillip Salvador and Ms. Nora Aunor (in a special screening of the 1983 Ishmael Bernal classic, Himala). Mylene Dizon herself will be at the red-carpet premiere of the Opening Night film, 100, on June 11 at the MOMA.
“It’s wonderful to see a new generation of Filipino filmmakers attaining the great levels of artistry and achievement of Lino Brocka, Mike de Leon, and other luminaries of the ‘70s,” says Richard Peña, program director, Film Society of Lincoln Center and associate professor at Columbia University. “Influenced by a wide range of international styles, these filmmakers are deeply engaged with social reality, but more prone to ask questions than provide answers.”
The festival is a production of IndioBravo Film Foundation (named after the underground pseudonym used by Jose Rizal). The nonprofit organization was founded in New York City in 2008 to promote Philippine film worldwide, provide technical, marketing and distribution support to Filipino filmmakers and empower indigent communities in the Philippines to produce film and video works that prompt discussion about issues like health and human rights. For more info, visit www.indiobravo.org.
TICKETS AND SPECIAL EVENTS
TICKETS: For all screenings except opening night, tickets are $12.50 through May 29, $15 after May 29 and available for online purchase at www.indiobravo.org.
OPENING NIGHT: Tickets for opening-night screenings (Baler and 100) at the Museum of Modern Art are $20 in advance, $25 at the door and include an after-party at Nikki Beach, 151 East 50th Street between Lexington and Third Avenues, with Mylene Dizon, star of 100, and other stars of this year’s film lineup. These tickets are also available at www.indiobravo.org.
AWARDS CEREMONY/CLOSING NIGHT RECEPTION: Will take place at the Visual Arts Theater, 333 West 23rd Street between 8th and 9th Avenues, on Sunday, June 14 at 8 p.m.
FILM HIGHLIGHTS
The IndioBravo Film Festival will screen fifteen feature films and elevent short films, including: CENTERPIECE FILM: FOSTER CHILD, directed by Brillante Mendoza (2007, 90 mins, Tagalog/English subtitles)
Screenings: Friday, June 12, 8:00 p.m., Visual Arts Theater; Sunday, June 14, 6:20 p.m., Visual Arts Theater
From the director of international art-house hit Serbis (2009), the magnificent Foster Child plumbs the chasm between developing-world need and first-world excess with devastating efficiency and masterful control. Yet it also finds humor, vibrancy and beauty in Manila shanty-town life as a paid foster mother (Cherry Pie Pichache, left, by turns winning and wrenching) prepares to release a cherubic boy she has raised from infancy to a wealthy American family.
Awards & recognitions: Directors’ Fortnight, Cannes Film Festival (2007); winner, Best Film and Best Actress, Durban International Film Festival (South Africa, 2008); winner, Brisbane International Film Festival (Australia, 2008); SIGNIS Award, Las Palmas Film Festival (Spain, 2008).
SPECIAL SCREENING:MELANCHOLIA, directed by Lav Diaz (2008, 7 and 1/2 hrs, Tagalog/English subtitles)
Screening: Friday, June 12, 1:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., Millennium Film Workshop, 66 East 4th Street at 2nd Avenue
In Lav Diaz’ fearlessly sprawling yet minutely detailed Melancholia, three characters take on alter egos to flee their everyday existences—Alberta (Angeli Bayani, right), a sex worker, Julian (Roeder Camañag, near right), a pimp and Rina, a charitable nun. Diaz, called the "great Filipino poet of cinema" (Cinéma du Réel, Paris), advances an experimentalist vision of the suffering of human experience, the fluidity of identity and the plasticity of time. "It’s another powerful example of the (very) long-form aesthetic that has made Diaz simultaneously one of the most revered and least seen new filmmakers of the past decade," writes ArtForum.
Awards & recognitions: Winner, Best Film, Orrizonti (Horizons) Award, Venice International Film Festival (2008).
CLOSING NIGHT SELECTION:JAY, directed by Francis Xavier Pasion (2008, 94 mins, Tagalog/English subtitles) Screenings: Saturday, June 13, 10:00 p.m., Visual Arts Theater; Closing Night: Sunday, June 14, 5:45 p.m., Visual Arts Theater
In this satire of reality television, as hilarious as it is unsettling, Baron Geisler (left, below) plays a flamboyant news producer who stops at nothing to deliver a lurid segment on a gay teacher’s murder. He insinuates himself into the victim’s grieving family, harrasses the teacher’s guilelessly sexy former boyfriend (Coco Martin, left, top) and seduces and corrupts everyone in his path as he demolishes the line between reporting the news and creating it.
Awards & recognitions: Official entry, Venice International Film Festival (2009), winner, special distinction, Mexico City International Contemporary Film Festival (2009), special mention, Bangkok International Film Festival (2008).
OPENING NIGHT SELECTION:100, directed by Chris Martinez (2008, 116 mins, Tagalog/English subtitles) Screenings: Opening Night—Thursday, June 11, 9:30 p.m., Museum of Modern Art; Saturday, June 13, 9:20 p.m., Visual Arts Theater
With only 100 days left to live, beautiful, solitary Joyce (Mylene Dizon, left, center) is such a driven alpha exec that she makes a power point presentation for her own wake—and crams as much living as she can into a wall of post-it notes. Tell boss to shove it? Check. Seduce married neighbor? Check. But can Joyce find deeper meaning, and face those she’s left behind, before she peels off the last post-it? Raucous, thought-provoking and moving, director Chris Martinez drafts a memo for viewers to lead their lives, rather than the other way around.
Awards & recognitions: Winner, 2008 Audience Award, Pusan International Film Festival (Korea); winner, 2009 Emile Guimet Award, Vesoul Asian Film Festival (France)
OPENING NIGHT SELECTION:BALER, directed by Mark Meily (2008, 117 mins, Tagalog/English subtitles) Screenings: Opening Night—Thursday, June 11, 7:15 p.m., Museum of Modern Art; Sunday, June 14, 4:10pm, Visual Arts Theater
Against the backdrop of the Philippine revolution of 1898, winsome Feliza Reyes (Anne Curtis, near right) falls in love with dashing Celso Resurrecion (Jericho Rosales, right). But Feliza’s father, Philippine rebel leader Nanding (Phillip Salvador), is battling a Spanish rifle battalion—to which Celso belongs. This epic historical romance swept the Metro Manila Film Awards in 2008. Awards & recognitions: Winner, Best Film, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Metro Manila Film Awards (2008).
PHILIPPINE FILM CLASSIC:HIMALA (“MIRACLE”), directed by Ishmael Bernal (1983, 120 mins, Tagalog/English subtitles)
Screening: Saturday, June 13, 9:20 p.m., Visual Arts Theater
Bernal’s masterpiece, shot and released during the apex of the Marcos dictatorship, boldly unmasks the beauty and danger of religious devotion. In a rural village, a young woman named Elsa (the legendary Nora Aunor, left) announces she has a vision of the Virgin Mary and demonstrates an ability to heal the sick. In short order, the village becomes a magnet for mass hysteria and media frenzy. But is Elsa a true miracle-worker or an imposter? One film director has his doubts, and pursues them with devastating results.
Awards & recognitions: Nominee, Best Film and Best Actress, Berlin International Film Festival (1983); winner, Best Asia-Pacific Film of All Time, CNN Asia Pacific Screen Awards Viewers Choice Award (2008).
For complete schedule, tickets and more information, visit www.indiobravo.org.
The IndioBravo Film Foundation is proud to present the first annual IndioBravo Filipino Film Festival on June 11-14, 2009 in New York City, showcasing the boldest and most internationally acclaimed works by Filipino filmmakers in recent years.
Opening night takes place Thursday, June 11, at the Museum of Modern Art (11 West 53rd Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues) with the North American premiere of Baler, a historical, romantic epic which swept awards at the 2008 Metro Manila Film Festival, and 100, winner of audience and best film awards at festivals in Pusan, Korea and Vesoul, France.
The festival continues Friday to Sunday, June 12-14, at the Visual Arts Theater in Chelsea, 333 West 23rd Street between 8th and 9th Avenues in New York City.
CENTERPIECE FILM: Screening Friday, June 12 is the magnificent Foster Child by Brillante Mendoza, director of 2008’s internationally acclaimed art-house hit Serbis.
SPECIAL SCREENING: Also screening Friday is Lav Diaz’ bold, 8-hour drama Melancholia, winner of the Venice International Film Festival’s 2008 Orrizonti (Horizons) Award for best feature. This special screening takes place at the Millennium Film Work Shop, 66 East 4th Street between Bowery and Second Avenues.
CLOSING NIGHT: On Sunday, June 14, Indio Bravo is proud to screen Jay, an uproarious satire of reality television and an official entry in the Venice International Film Festival of 2008. The festival concludes with an awards ceremony and reception at the Visual Arts Theater at 8 p.m.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS: Other notable titles include Donsol, an elegaic love story set in an idyllic resort town; Carnivore, about a harrowing fraternity initiation; the animated Dayo, about a young boy’s journey to save his abducted grandparents; the romantic comedy and box office smash My Only U, and the genre-busting mockumentary Confessional. IBFF ‘09 also features Ishmael Bernal’s 1983 masterpiece, Himala (Miracle), named in a 2008 CNN viewers’ poll as the best Asian-Pacific film of all time.
TICKETS: On sale Friday, May 1. Tickets for all screenings (except opening night) are $12.50 until May 29, and $15 after May 29. Available for sale online at www.indiobravo.org.
OPENING NIGHT: Tickets for opening-night screenings on Thursday, June 11 (Baler and 100) are $20 each in advance, $25 at the door and include an after-party at plush lounge Nikki Beach, 151 East 50th Streets between Lexington and Third Avenues, featuring Mylene Dizon, star of 100, and other stars of this year’s film lineup. Tickets available at www.indiobravo.org.
VIP RECEPTION: A private reception and screening for industry executives and members of the media will take place on Thursday, May 28 at the SoHo House, a members-only club in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District. Contact Caroline Cruz, ccruz@indiobravo.org.
PRESS: General-market U.S. press—Angelo Ragaza, aragaza@indiobravo.org, 917-705-9572.
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
Thursday, June 11—Opening NightMuseum of Modern Art, 11 West 53rd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues, New York City
7:15 p.m. Baler (110 mins), MoMA Titus 1 9: 30 p.m. Opening Night Selection: 100 (116 mins), MoMA Titus 2 11:30 p.m. Opening Night After-Party at Nikki Beach, 151 East 50th St between Lexington and 3rd Avenues (opening night tickets required)
Friday, June 121:00 p.m. Special Screening: Melancholia(7 and 1/2 hours) at Millennium Film Workshop, 66 East 4th Street between Bowery and Second Avenue
Visual Arts Theater 1, 333 West 23rd Street between 8th and 9th Avenues, New York City
6:00 p.m. God Only Knows (17 mins.) with Huling Balyan ng Buhi (“The Woven Side of the Other,” 89 mins.) 8:10 p.m. Kultado (“Curdled,” 21 mins.) with Carnivore (80 mins.) 10:15 p.m. Yanggaw (“Affliction,” 105 mins.)
Visual Arts Theater 2, 333 West 23rd Street between 8th and 9th Avenues, New York City
6:00 p.m. To Siomai Love (26 mins.) with When Timawa Meets Delgado (60 mins.) 8:00 p.m. Angan-Angan (“Dream,” 15 mins.) with Centerpiece Selection: Foster Child (98 mins.) 10:10 p.m. Kamera (“Camera,” 13 mins.) with Donsol (100 mins.)
Saturday, June 13Visual Arts Theater 1
2:00 p.m. Performing Naturalness (3 mins.) with Endo (95 mins.) 4:00 p.m. Musa (“Muse,” 19 mins.) with Confessional (90 mins.) 5:15 p.m. Yanggaw (“Affliction,” 105 mins) 7:30 p.m. My Only U (110 mins.) 10:00 p.m. Kagat ng Dilim (“Dark Bites,” 15 mins.) with Jay (94 mins.)
In celebration of Lino Brocka’s 18th death anniversary (21 May 1991), 26 of his best films will be screened at Mag:net Katipunan, from Mondays to Saturdays. Screening starts at 4:30pm
BROCKALENDARYO
1 May, Fri: Santiago (1970)
2 May, Sat: P/X (1982)
4 May, Mon: Palipat-Lipat, Papalit-Palit / Keep on Changing, Keep on Moving (1982)
5 May, Tue: Pasan Ko Ang Daigdig / I Carry the World (1987)
6 May, Wed: Babangon Ako’t Dudurugin Kita / I Will Rise And Crush You (1989)
7 May, Thu: Lucia (1992)
8 May, Fri: Hayop sa Hayop / Beast To Beast (1978)
9 May, Sat: Kontrobersiyal / Controversial (1981)
10 May, Mon: Gumapang Ka sa Lusak / Dirty Affair (1990)
12 May, Tue: Tubog sa Ginto / Dipped in Gold (1971)
13 May, Wed: Cain at Abel (1982)
14 May, Thu: Miguelito, Ang Batang Rebelde / Miguelito, The Rebel Boy (1985)
15 May, Fri: Ina, Kapatid, Anak / Mother, Sister, Daughter (1979)
16 May, Sat: Macho Dancer (1989)
18 May, Mon: Stardoom (1971)
19 May, Tue: Ina Ka ng Anak Mo / You’re the Mother of Your Child (1979)
20 May, Wed: Angela Markado (1980) BROCKA NIGHT (9:30pm-1am): featuring The Brockas, Los Chupacabras, Us 2 Evil 0, Live Tilapia
21 May, Thu: Tatlo, Dalawa, Isa / Three, Two, One (1974)
22 May, Fri: Ang Tatay Kong Nanay / My Father Is my Mother (1978)
23 May, Sat: Jaguar (1979)
25 May, Mon: Orapronobis (1989)
26 May, Tue: Bona (1980)
27 May, Wed: Bayan Ko: Kapit sa Patalim / My Country: In Desperate Straits (1984)
28 May, Thu: Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang / Weighed But Found Wanting (1974)
29 May, Fri: Insiang (1976)
30 May, Sat: Maynila: Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag / Manila: In the Claws of Light (1975)
May 1, Friday Santiago (1970) Synopsis : Gonzalo was ordered to blow-up a building which was suspected of being a Japanese cache. But he soon finds that the building also housed a number of Filipino civilians, including women and children. He ends up killing all except on girl who he brings to a nearby village. Starring : Fernando Poe, Jr., Dante Rivera, Boots Anson-Roa, Hilda Koronel, Jay Ilagan, Caridad Sanchez, Mildred Ortega, Mary Walter, Ruben Rustia, Lorli Villanueva, Joonee Gamboa, Mario O’Hara Running Time : 123 mins.
May 2, Saturday P/X (1982) Synopsis : The story begins with Graves, an American soldier stationed in the Philippines, and Lydia, a Filipina, meeting up and relationship begins. Unfortunately, Graves accidentally kills a young boy while on duty at the American base, and the boy happens to be the little brother of Lydia’s former lover, Sidro, who is a hit man for the top mobster Gomez. Starring: Hilda Koronel, Philip Salvador, Leonard Urso Running Time : 98 mins.
May 4, Monday Palipat-Lipat, Papalit-Palit / Keep on Changing, Keep on Moving (1982) Synopsis : A workaholic career girl unconsciously neglects relationship with her husband. Only to find out, her husband won’t be able to give what she needs most. Starring : Dina Bonnevie, Cristopher de Leon, Mark Gil Running : 97 mins.
May 5, Tuesday Pasan Ko ang Daigdig / I Carry the World (1987) Synopsis : Lupe Velez carries the weight of the world in her shoulders. At a young age, she begs around the busy streets of Manila while carrying her crippled mother on her back. Still, Lupe is determined in working hard to live her dream of a better life. Starring : Sharon Cuneta, Tonton Gutierrez, Loretta Marquez, Rey “PJ” Abellana, Mark Gil, Princess Punzalan, Mario Montenegro, Anita Linda, Raoul Aragon, Deborah Sun, Mari-len Martinez, Jimmy Reyes, Joey Luna, Estrella Antonio, Bebot Davao Running time : 130 mins.
May 6, Wednesday Babangon Ako’t Dudurugin Kita / I Will Rise and Crush You (1989) Synopsis : Salve is a loving wife to Alfred, an aspiring politician. However, Alfred meets Via and they both set to pursue a political career since Via is from a powerful political family. As they plan a scheme to get rid of Salve, she survives the carnage and takes revenge. Starring : Sharon Cuneta, Cristopher de Leon, Hilda Koronel, Bembol Roco, Mona Lisa, Ruben Rustia, Tom Olivar, William Lorenzo, Tony Tacorda, Jimmy Reyes, Pocholo Montes, Gina Perez, Fred Capulong, Jose Jardinazo, Nanding Josef Running time : 100 mins.
May 7, Thursday Lucia (1992) Synopsis : In a fishing village in Bataan, a tanker caused an oil spill. The oil threatens not just the marine life but the existence of the entire community. Many villagers left the community soon after. Lucia and her family decided to stay in the village but the social forces at play are too strong and Lucia is powerless to stop the disintegration of her family as they are forced into the slums of Manila.
May 8, Friday Hayop sa Hayop / Beast to Beast (1978) Synopsis : Benjie, Andrew, and Alicia plotted a bank robbery with a wild escape. Benjie and Andrew, leaders of the gang, decided to escape from the authorities with Alicia carrying a large sum of money. Since the incident was all over the papers, they had to cross even the devil’s highway than to surrender and face the death sentence. Starring : Bembol Roco, Hilda Koronel, Phillip Salvador, Paquito Diaz Running time : 98 mins.
May 9, Saturday Kontrobersyal / Controversial (1981) Synopsis : Blinded by the bright lights of show business and sugar-coated promises offered by producer Mers Madsen, Carina Daluz walked toward the path to stardom. Things turned around when her stardom compromised her sanity, corrupted her soul, and stole her innocence. Starring : Gina Alajar, Charo Santos, Philip Salvador Running Time : 115 mins.
May 11, Monday Gumapang Ka sa Lusak / Dirty Affair (1990) Synopsis : The Mayor of Manila has been keeping an affair with a formerly famous local movie star for years. Although his wife has been aware of the secret affair, she went along as long as it didn’t threaten her cushy and powerful position. However, the mayor is coming up for re-election and he’s threatened that his little secret is about to become public property. Starring: Dina Bonnevie, Cristopher de Leon, Eddie Garcia, Charo Santos, Bembol Roco, Allan Paule, Francis Magalona, William Lorenzo, Perla Bautista, Anita Linda, Lucita Soriano, Timmy Diwa Running Time: 115 mins.
May 12, Tuesday Tubog sa Ginto / Dipped in Gold (1971) Synopsis : Tubog sa Ginto is a story of a gay man living in the 70s Manila. He’s married to a beautiful wife and fathers a young man. Almost living a perfect life of financial stability and beautiful family, he is terrified of being outed. Starring : Eddie Garcia, Mario O’Hara, Lolita Rodriguez, Marissa Delgado, Jay Ilagan, Hilda Koronel, Luis Gonzales, Jimmy Morato, Veronica Palileo, Joonee Gamboa, Joe Avelino, Lorli Villanueva Running Time : 122 mins.
May 13, Wednesday Cain at Abel (1982) Synopsis : Ellis and Lorens are quarrelling brothers set to inherit their large ranch from an overbearing mother. Ellis, the older brother, is womanizer who fathers the offspring resulted from his seductions with various housemaids, while remaining married to his wife. The younger brother, Lorens, is also married but he is not as prodigal as his older brother. Events plot to get each brother involved in gangs and threaten their future as it may be shorter than their mother’s. Starring : Cristopher de Leon, Phillip Salvador, Cecile Castillo, Gloria Guinto Running Time : 109 mins.
May 14, Thursday Miguelito, Ang Batang Rebelde / Miguelito, The Rebel Boy (1985) Synopsis : Miguelito “Mike” Herera lives a happy go lucky life. However, his father, Mayor Ven Herera, is preparing his only soon to be his predecessor. Mike’s mother, Auring, has just come out of jail and swore to take her son back. To find the truth, Mike asked his parents about who is his real mother but they refuse to tell the truth. Starring : Aga Muhlach, Nida Blanca, Eddie Garcia, Gloria Romero, Gretchen Barretto, Lisa Lorena, Nadia Montenegro Running Time : 116 mins.
May 15, Friday Ina, Kapatid, Anak / Mother, Sister, Daughter (1979) Synopsis : Pura returns to her hometown to see her ailing father. She is reunited with her half-sister Emilia, who seduced her boyfriend 20 years ago. Her visit opens up old wounds and revives the sibling rivalry between the two. Starring : Charito Solis, Lolita Rodriquez, Rio Locsin, Ric Rodrigo, Laurice Guillen, Raul Aragon, Lorli Villanueva, Manny Ojeda Running Time : 93 mins.
May 16, Saturday Macho Dancer (1989) Synopsis : Pol is a probinsyano who travels to Manila after his gay American GI lover leaves the Philippines. After taking a job as a dancer he quickly becomes a male prostitute in order to survive. He meets Noel, his new roommate, who’s looking for his sister missing in Manila. Pol and Noel short change a corrupt cop on some drug money in hopes of rescuing Noel’s sister from the brothel. Starring : Allan Paule, Daniel Fernando, Jaclyn Rose, Princess Punzalan, William Lorenzo, Timothy Diwa, Angelo Miguel, Johnny Vicar, Lucita Soriano, Joel Lamangan, Bobby Sano, Charlie Catalla Running Time : 133 mins.
May 18, Monday Stardoom (1971) Synopsis : Movie about the movies. An ambitious smother pushes her youngest son into a tragic career in show business. Her son soon decides that he must not be associated with his illiterate mother for fear that his humble and humiliating background be exposed. Starring : Mario O’Hara, Lolita Rodriguez, Eddie Garcia, Caridad Sanchez, Jimmy Morato, Joonee Gamboa, Hilda Koronel, Walter Navarro, Lotis Key, Celeste Legaspi, Tita Muñoz Running Time : 145 mins.
May 19, Tuesday Ina Ka ng Anak Mo / You’re the Mother of Your Child (1979) Synopsis : The story portrays the everyday life of Renata and her daughter Ester, who is married to Luis. Unfortunately, Ester and her mother get into a heated argument resulting to Renata feeling emotional about it. She then confides to Luis about her problems, which results to one night of passionate union. Starring : Nora Aunor, Lolita Rodriguez, Raul Aragon, Lorli Villanueva Running Time : 97 mins.
May 20, Wednesday Angela Markado (1980) Synopsis : The story Angela revolves around a woman named Angela Delmar who, one night, fell into the hands of five men who took turns in raping her. After raping her, each man tattooed her on her back before selling her to a brothel, from which she later on escaped. Upon returning home, she discovered that her friend also suffered the same fate and vowed to take revenge on the men who violated her. Starring : Hilda Koronel, Johnny Delgado, Celia Rodriquez, Rez Cortez, Ruel Vernal, Tonio Gutierrez, Dave Brodett, Raul Aragon, Archie Adamos, Menggie Cobarrubias, Ely Roque Running Time : 100 mins.
May 21, Thursday Tatlo, Dalawa, Isa / Three, Two, One (1974) Synopsis : Tatlo, Dalawa, Isa contains three separate stories. The first one deals with drug addiction in the slums, another deal with a poor mother trying to raise a GI baby, and the last one concerns a spinster who is burdened with a mother to care for. Starring : Anita Linda, Mario O’Hara, Lolita Rodriguez, Hilda Koronel, Jay Ilagan, Mary Walter, Perla Bautista, Bembol Roco, Socrates Topacio, Roger Mariscal, Rolly Papasin, Laurice Guillen
Running Time : 129 mins.
May 22, Friday Ang Tatay Kong Nanay / My Father is My Mother (1978) Synopsis : Coring is a gay beautician whose companion Dennis left him for a bar hostess, Mariana. One year later, Dennis comes to his doorstep to deposit a baby boy, presumably his and Mariana’s lovechild. Starring : Philip Salvador, Dolphy, Niño Muhlach, Phillip Salvador Running time : 115 mins.
May 23, Saturday Jaguar (1979) Synopsis : Poldo becomes a security guard in a posh apartment house to help support his family. Trouble arises after he saves resident Sonny from a corrupt nightclub owner’s attack. Soon after Sonny offers Poldo a job to be his bodyguard, Poldo realizes that his new employer publishes porno magazines and just as corrupt as his attacker. Not long after that, Poldo accidentally tangles himself in gang wars and violence. Starring : Philip Salvador, Amy Austria, Menggie Cobarrubias, Anita Linda, Johnny Delgado, Sonny Gaston, Mario Escudero, Jimmy Santos, Jose Cunanan, Fred Param, Nonoy de Guzman, Eddie Gicoso Running time : 123 mins.
May 25, Monday Orapronobis (1989) Synopsis : A social activist is finally released from prison after the fall of the Marcos regime. Unfortunately, ultra-conservative death squads terrorize the island. The activist decides to team up with a radical priest to stop the vengeful vigilantes. Starring : Philip Salvador, Dina Bonnevie, Gina Alajar, Bembol Roco, Ginnie Sobrino, Abbo de la Cruz, Pen Medina, Joel Lamangan, Gerard Bernschein, Ernie Zarate, Jess Ramos, Obby Castañeda Running time : 94 mins.
May 26, Tuesday Bona (1989) Synopsis : Bona is a middle-class schoolgirl who falls in love with an older gigolo. She waits for him while he pursues other women as he assumes he can dump Bona when he’s tired of her. But meek little Bona responds to this arrogance with hell-hath-no-fury violence. Starring : Nora Aunor, Philip Salvador, Rustica Carpio, Venchito Galvez, Marissa Delgado, Nanding Josef, Spanky Manikan, Raquel Montesa Running time : 90 mins.
May 27, Wednesday Bayan Ko : Kapit sa Patalim / My Country : In Desperate Straits (1985) Synopsis : Arturo and his wife, Luz, is both working in a printing press, After Luz becomes pregnant, Arturo asked for a raise in exchange of signing a waiver that he is not part of any Labor Union. Soon after, his friends invited him to a labor union but he refuses; causing his colleagues to treat him as a traitor. When the printing press closed down, Arturo pursued a life of crime just to pay for the medical fees in the hospital where Luz is confined. Starring : Phillip Salvador, Gina Alajar, Claudia Zobel, Raoul Aragon, Rez Cortez, Venchito Galves, Aristo Reyes, Jr., Lorli Villanueva, Gloria Guinto, Lucita Soriano, Joe Taruc, PETA Kalinangan Ensemble, Tanya Shpilevoy, Nomer Son, Bongchi Miraflor, Jess de la Paz, Paquito Diaz, Mona Lisa Running time : 108 mins.
May 28, Thursday Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang / Weighed But Found Wanting (1974) Synopsis : The story of a deranged woman, wanders about in dirty clothes and with mangy hair. Bertong Ketong, a leper, attracts Kuala and takes her to his shack in the cemetery. Junior makes friends with the two, defying his father’s demand to stay away from them. Starring : Cristopher de Leon, Lolita Rodriquez, Eddie Garcia, Lorli Villanueva, Mario O’Hara, Lilia Dizon, Joonee Gamboa, Ernie Zarate, Hilda Koronel, Bey Vito, Laurice Guillen, Jerry O’Hara Running time : 120 mins.
May 29, Friday Insiang (1976) Synopsis : Insiang washes clothing for a living while enduring harassment by her mother. When she is raped by her mother’s lover, she plans on a subtle course of revenge. Starring : Hilda Koronel, Mona Lisa, Rez Cortez, Ruel Vernal, Marlon Ramirez, Nina Lorenzo, Mely Mallari, Carpi Asturias, George Atutubo, Eddie Pagayon, Joe Jardi, Danny Posadas Running time : 95 mins.
May 30, Friday Maynila : Sa mga Kuko ng Liwanang / Manila : In the Claws of Light (1975) Synopsis : Julio is a probinciano who has lost track of his childhood sweetheart Ligaya in the busy streets of Manila. In a major quest, he enters the sprawling metropolis in order to find her. Starring : Hilda Koronel, Lou Salvador, Tommy Abuel Running time : 123 mins.
****** Noranians are people smitten by a talent extraordinaire: Ms. Nora Aunor, a singer with golden voice, world-class film artist, cultural icon, living legend—the ultimate multimedia Superstar of the Philippine entertainment industry.
Noranians are SUPERSTARstruck.
This is their page to celebrate their identity as Noranians.
****** Noranians may share here their impression of Nora Aunor; any trivia on her music, performances, or other works; their own stories as Noranians. E-mail contributions to superstarstruck@gmail.com.
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