From raking in the local box office
with 'A Very Good Girl' and 'Un/Happy for You' to premiering at the Tallinn
Black Nights Film Festival
Petersen Vargas, the director behind blockbuster hits like A Very Good Girl (starring Kathryn Bernardo and Dolly de Leon) and Un/Happy For You (starring Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia), is back with his latest feature film, Some Nights I Feel Like Walking. This new film is set to premiere at the renowned Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, Northern Europe’s most prestigious film event.
This project marks a return to Vargas’ indie roots, highlighting the rich storytelling tradition of Filipino cinema and bringing it once again to the global stage. Filipino films have been prominently featured at the festival in previous years, with titles like Fan Girl (starring Paulo Avelino and Charlie Dizon) and Kalel, 15 (with Elijah Canlas, Eddie Garcia, and Jaclyn Jose) also earning recognition.
Some Nights I Feel Like Walking has been in development since 2018, originating from a scriptwriting workshop led by National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, Ricky Lee. Over the years, the project has gained recognition through its participation in various international film programs in France, Switzerland, and Japan.
FACEBOOK teaser link: https://facebook.com/cinemabravo/videos/935085465109438
YOUTUBE teaser link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcBj3elEjyI
How does it feel to have Some Nights I Feel Like Walking in competition at an A-list film festival?
"I’ve worked on Some Nights I Feel Like Walking for the past six years or so, and throughout those years, I felt the film growing up with me," Vargas shared. "What began as my own reaction to former president Rodrigo Duterte’s dangerous and vicious streets, merciless even to the innocent and young, is now an examination and evocation of some collective grief."
The film attempts to explore the Filipino's relationship with death, tracing this theme through the journey of a dead body.
With Some Nights I Feel Like Walking in competition, Vargas finds the moment surreal. "After Filipino titles like Jun Robles Lana's 'Kalel, 15' and Antoinette Jadaone's 'Fan Girl,' competing and doing a world premiere at an A-list film festival like Tallinn Black Nights, this moment feels like an unshakeable dream.
"As much as it is an honor to share this ultimately Filipino story and experience elsewhere, I also consider this as some fulfilling return to my queer and regional roots as a storyteller."
A story rooted in Filipino culture and queer identity
Some Nights I Feel Like Walking follows a group of street hustlers navigating the dangerous streets of Manila at night to fulfill their dying friend’s last wish: to bring his body back home. The film explores themes of queer identity, survival, and found families. These themes, while universal, are strongly grounded in Filipino culture, resonating with the familiar challenges of belonging and community that many Filipinos face.
The cast brings together established indie names and emerging talents, including Jomari Angeles (Ma' Rosa), Tommy Alejandrino (GomBurZa), Gold Aceron (Metamorphosis), and newcomers Miguel Odron (Philippine Idol) and Argel Saycon (Pinoy Big Brother) in their first major roles.
By focusing on the queer desires and struggles of its lead characters, the film sheds light on the often unseen realities of street life in Manila. Through its youth-centered, road-movie format, Some Nights I Feel Like Walking evolves into a journey of self-discovery, giving audiences a chance to reflect on identity and belonging in the vibrant, nocturnal world of Manila.
What was it like working on your first international co-production?
"This film is also my first venture into international co-production," Vargas explained. He expressed gratitude for working with co-producers from Singapore and Taiwan.
He also mentioned that it was through Giraffe Pictures’ Anthony Chen that he discovered the universal appeal of the film’s narrative: "It’s the journey of a group of street hustlers lugging around their dead friend’s body to bring it home – and how much power that narrative holds."
He also credited his collaborators for elevating the project to new heights. "I found collaborators in Russel Morton (cinematography), Daniel Hui (editing), Eddie Huang (sound), and Nico Tiong (colorist), who all brought the film to an unprecedentedly new level."
International collaboration and recognition
Some Nights I Feel Like Walking is a multinational production involving the Philippines, Singapore, and Italy, with leading studios like Daluyong Studios (Liway), Origin8 (Zombadings), and Ten17P (Mañanita). Despite its international scope, the film remains deeply connected to Filipino culture, exploring universal themes of home, identity, and human connection.
The project has been selected for several high-profile international film development platforms, including Cannes L’Atelier, Locarno Open Doors, and the Southeast Asia Fiction Film Lab (SEAFIC), where it won the SEAFIC Award.
These achievements underline the talent of Filipino filmmakers, highlighting the importance of showcasing these stories on the global stage.
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