New Filmmaker On The Rise Directs His Debut Film - Crushmate

 

CRUSHMATE is a feel good romantic comedy-drama film directed by newbie filmmaker Ken Leviste, who is also a Multimedia Arts Instructor in Far Eastern University Institute of Technology. It stars new faces ANTON ARCILLA and JASMINE TAN. "Crushmate" is the winner of Best Picture, Best Director for Ken Leviste, Best Story, Best Trailer, Best Actor for Anton Arcilla, Best Actress for Jasmine Tan at CineGoma: RK Rubber Film Festival 2023. The film also won 2nd Best Film, People's Choice Award, Best Director for Ken Leviste , Best Screenplay, Best Film Poster, Best Actor for Anton Arcilla at Gawad Sining Film Festival 2023

The film also stars Zach Diwa, Deniell Rivera, Jhustine Ricafranca Carla Hilario, Rainier Berzabal, and Sharmaine Tumama.

 

SYNOPSIS 

Evan Castro, 18 years old, is an ambitious college freshman who’s usually late – especially on his first day in college. After going and asking around the campus looking for his classroom, his world slowed down when he met the charming Chloe Magnaye, 18 years old. In their first semester, the two along with their newfound friends share experiences, fun, bad days, love, and laughter. Evan and Chloe also find their mutual interests that make their time and feelings aligned. As the end of the semester is approaching Evan must make it or break it. Will he run out of confidence, or will he run to chase his feelings for Chloe? Cinematographers are Reigneth Serrano, John Joshua Sarmiento, JC Bocalbos, Dave Bosito, Lawrence Latombo Written by Cyril Sucayan, Bernie Quiñones, and Ken Leviste, editing and direction by Ken Leviste.

 

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT

Crushmate is a light-hearted romantic comedy that captures the essence of young love and the excitement of starting a new chapter in life. As a director, I wanted to create a simple movie experience that is fun and relatable to the audience. The story follows Evan Castro, a college freshman, as he navigates the challenges of expressing his feelings for his first college crush, Chloe Magnaye. Inspired by my own, and the writers’ personal college love experiences, I wanted to tell a story that would resonate with viewers and bring back college nostalgia. The film explores universal themes of first love, self-discovery, and taking risks. The cinematography is stunning, with every shot carefully crafted to resemble a beautiful picture. The music is heartwarming and playful, setting the tone for a feel-good film that will leave the audience feeling "kilig" and in good spirits. Overall, the film is a celebration of youth and the endless possibilities that come with it. It's a film that captures the excitement, fun, and challenges of the first days of college and the thrill of falling in love for the first time.

 

Watch below as the cast Anton Arcilla and Jasmin Tan and director Ken Leviste share their fond moments and take us behind the scenes in filming Crushmate.