Wednesday 15 May 2013

Filipino Films on Cannes International Film Festival 2013




Eight Filipino films will be exhibited on the forthcoming Cannes International Film Festival. Two of which is selected on Un Certain Regard section: Lav Diaz's Norte Hangganan ng Kasaysayan and Adolf Alix's Death March.






Norte Hangganan ng Kasaysayan tells the story of a man who is wrongly jailed for murder while the real killer roams free. The murderer is an intellectual frustrated with his country's never-ending cycle of betrayal and apathy. The convict is a simple man who finds life in prison more tolerable when something mysterious and strange starts happening to him. The film stars Archie Alemania, Angeli Bayani, Mae Paner, Soliman Cruz, Angelina Canapi, Hazel Orencio and Sid Lucero. Screenplay by Rody Vera and Lav Diaz. Directed By: Lav Diaz






Death March was set in Bataan on 1942 tells the story of thousands of Filipino and American soldiers that were forced to march in the blistering heat amidst disease, starvation and maltreatment by the displeasured and disgusted Japanese guards. Miguel is horrified by the dead soldiers talking to him. Alex starts to hallucinate and question his sanity. Roy takes care of his wounded American captain and tries to keep him alive. In the middle of this nightmare, Hatori seems to be unreal - he is both angel, guard, officer and civilian at different times.





The film stars Sid Lucero, Zanjoe Marudo, Jason Abalos, Jacky Woo, Felix Roco, Carlo Aquino and Sam Milby. Screenplay by: Rodolfo vera and Directed By Adolfo Alix.








On the other hand the Director's Fortnight section of Cannes chooses the Filipino Film On the Job helmed by the Director, Erik Matti. Produced by Matti’s Reality Entertainment and Star Cinema, On the Job features mainstream stars Piolo Pascual, Gerald Anderson, Rayver Cruz, Shaina Magdayao, Empress Schuck, alongside veteran actors and indie favorites like Joel Torre, Angel Aquino, Vivian Velez, Joey Marquez, Leo Martinez, Michael de Mesa, Al Tantay, Niño Muhlach, among others. 





It tells the story of Daniel (Gerald Anderson), an inmate who will turn into a hitman/professional killer. Meanwhile, Piolo Pascual plays the character of an NBI agent who will hunt Daniel. A son of an NBI chief and with a wife the daughter of a congressman, Piolo's character is torn between his duty, his conscience and his family.







Cannes Classic section will feature are own Filipino Film Classic: Maynila Sa Kuko ng Liwanag helmed by the award winning director Lino Brocka. The film will be shown on its digitally restored format. The film stars Bembol Roco, Hilda Koronel, Lou Salvador, Jr., Juling Bagabaldo and Tommy Abuel. Written By: Edgardo M. Reyes and Clodualdo del Mundo, Jr and Directed By Lino Brocka. 




The film tells the story of Ulio, a "country mouse," a probiciano, who has lost track of hischildhood sweetheart Ligaya (Hilda Koronel) in the wilds of Manila. In what amounts to a major quest, he enters the sprawling Philippine metropolis in order to find her. Report says that Hilda Koronel will grace the Cannes premiere.





Meanwhile, three Filipino films have made it to the Cannes Short Film Corner: “Katapusang Labok” by Aiess Alonso, “Oasis Redux” by Carlo Manatad and “Mga Engkantong Laog sa Mahabang Dapithapon”by Roderick Cabrido. Alonso’s film is about the struggles of fisherfolk; Manatad’s tells of a young mom who moves to a remote province; and Cabrido’s work focuses on a woman involved in the illegal trade of human organs.









Tyrone Acierto’s “The Grave Bandits (Zombie Island)” will have a “market premiere” at the Marché du Film of Cannes. It is a story about two young graveyard thieves. Wanted by the village people, they take refuge in an island where they become preys to the undead cannibals.Starring Marti Sandino San Juan, Ronald Pacifico, and Jill Palencia. Directed by Tyrone Acierto



Cannes International Film Festival will run from May 15 - May 26 2013.

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