Aljur Abrenica and Alvin Anson stars in ‘Expressway’ by Ato Bautista

A syndicate old-timer named Ben (Alvin Anson) needs to do one last assignment before the boss he works for grants him his much delayed retirement. Assigned to be his partner is the neophyte Morris (Aljur Abrenica), a trigger-happy, sadist who yearns to impress the syndicate boss. For Ben, this last assignment turns out to be a journey of introspection, self-healing and redemption. With this awakening, he takes it upon himself to pull Morris out of the eventual hell-of-a-life he says he has lived as a hitman.

Actors Alvin and Aljur talked about their passion for their characters and this film in a recent interview. Alvin shares, “Very personal kasi sa akin ‘tong movie because Direk Ato offered this film to the late Rudy Fernandez… I’m very close to Kuya Daboy [and] I’ve done a lot of films with him.” On the other hand, Aljur’s fans will see his daring side as he also takes part in a risqué scene in the film. Staying true to his craft, Aljur goes deeper into his role. “Before I did this film, may konting background na ko sa pagiging isang killer,” he says. “Nag-research ako kung paano siya nasanay kasi wala naman pinanganak na ganun agad yung kayang gawin.”

EXPRESSWAY also stars RK Bagatsing, Kiko Matos, Inez Bernardo, Japo Parcero, Arpee Bautista, and Jim Libiran.

The 2nd Sinag Maynila Film Festival will run from April 21 to 26, 2016. For more updates, log on to http://sinagmaynilafilmfestival.com/, on Facebook via SinagMaynila, Twitter and Instagram via @sinagmaynila. Subscribe also to the official Sinag Maynila Youtube Account: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmZPI6kPKUCsbim9e_qByNQ. The roster of SMFF 2016 films also includes MRS. by Adolf Alix Jr., DYAMPER by Mes De Guzman, T.P.O. by Jay Altarejos, and LILA by Gino M. Santos

Conceptualized and helmed by CEO and Founder Wilson Tieng, together with world-renowned and internationally acclaimed film director Brillante Mendoza, Sinag Maynila gives grants to independent filmmakers so they can develop their individual material to a full-length film for public exhibition. Five chosen filmmakers closely collaborated with Tieng and Mendoza. This collaboration resulted in stories that reflect the Filipino culture while illustrating messages that will resonate globally.