FDCP Chairman Briccio Santos at the The Moviemov: Italian Film Fest. They rolled out the red carpet for the stars at the Ayala Museum and GB3 cinema. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Written and photographed

by Jude Bautista

In his speech during the Moviemov fest opening, FDCP (Film Development Council of the Phil) Chairman Briccio Santos made an important claim, “I am proud to announce that our partners in L’Immagine Ritrovata will be once again heading our next restoration project- Lino Brocka’s ‘Maynila Sa Kuko ng Liwanag’. This is in partnership with the Martin Scorcese World Cinema Foundation.”

(Center) Amb Luca Fornari is flanked by Glenna Fernan Guidicelli (left) and Matteo Guidicelli. The Moviemov: Italian Film Fest rolled out the red carpet at the Ayala Museum and GB3 cinema. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Maja Salvador at the The Moviemov: Italian Film Fest. They rolled out the red carpet for the stars at the Ayala Museum and GB3 cinema. Photo by Jude Bautista.

The relationship between Italian and Filipino filmmakers has been long and fruitful, “Moviemov will be highlighting this growing relationship between Italian and Phil cinemas. The history of Italian Phil cinema relations goes way back in 1952, when the Venice Film Festival was the first international film festival that recognized and honored the artistry of Filipino filmmakers with the inclusion of Manuel Conde’s ‘Genghis Khan’.”

Piolo Pascual is flanked by hotties from left: Ginger Conejero and Maricar Reyes. The Moviemov: Italian Film Fest rolled out the red carpet at the Ayala Museum and GB3 cinema. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Actress Vanessa Gravina, The Godmother of Moviemov. The Italian Film Fest rolled out the red carpet at the Ayala Museum and GB3 cinema. Photo by Jude Bautista

2012 is an important year for the Fil-Italian relations, “Sixty years after, Phil Cinema continues to grace Venice year after year. This year alone, the restored version of ‘Genghis Khan’, that was made possible in partnership with the festival, was shown together with ‘Thy Womb’, Brillante Mendoza’s most recent masterpiece.” Incidentally, Filipino audiences will have the chance to watch lead star Nora Aunor in “Thy Womb” as part of the Metro Manila Film Festival.

Amb. Luca Fornari of Italy with Sea Princess Tessa Prieto Valdes beside the 2013 Ferrari California. The Moviemov: Italian Film Fest rolled out the red carpet at the Ayala Museum and GB3 cinema. Photo by Jude Bautista.

The Moviemov film fest had a glitzy opening at the Ayala Museum with the screening of ‘Caesar Must Die’ at the Greenbelt 3, last December 4^th, 2012. The fest also flew in Italian actors: Andrea Bosca (Magnifica Presenza ), Salvatorre Striano (Cesare Deve Morire- Caesar Must Die!), Alessio Gallo (L’Intervallo-The Interval) and Davide Iacopini (Diaz). Vanessa Gravina was touted as The Godmother of Moviemov by Artistic Director Senator Goffredo Bettini.

Davide Iacopini (Diaz) and Serena Foddis pose on a fully restored Vespa PX150. The Moviemov: Italian Film Fest rolled out the red carpet at the Ayala Museum and GB3 cinema. Photo by Jude Bautista.

from left: Matteo Guidicelli, Maricar Reyes and Andrea Bosca. The Moviemov: Italian Film Fest rolled out the red carpet at the Ayala Museum and GB3 cinema. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Not to be out done Pinoy Heart throbs were also in attendance: Piolo Pascual, Maja Salvador, Matteo Guidicelli, Sam Milby, Xian Lim, Denise Laurel, Maricar Reyes, Kuya Manzano, Maxine Mamba of TV5’s ‘Moneydrop’, Tessa Prieto Valdes, Gwendolyn Ruais, Priscilla Meirelles, Ginger Conejero, Qiyama actors Arnel Mardoquio, Glorypearl Dy and many more.

from right: Diether Ocampo, Phil Star EVP Grace Glory Go, Rustan’s Pres. Nedy Tantoco and Mario Borao. The Moviemov: Italian Film Fest rolled out the red carpet at the Ayala Museum and GB3 cinema. Photo by Jude Bautista.

(Center) Senator Goffredo Bettini Artistic director Moviemov Italian Film festival (Right) Actress Vanessa Gravina, The Godmother of Moviemov and (Left) PIA Cultural Officer Cristina Moricca. The Moviemov: Italian Film Fest rolled out the red carpet at the Ayala Museum and GB3 cinema. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Moviemov has already grown in renown according to Santos, “Despite only being in its second year, the Italian Film Festival has grown to be one of the finest in the country. And the Film Development Council of the Phil is again honored to be its partner this year in this cultural exchange between the finest of Phil and Italian Cinemas.”

Alessio Gallo (L’Intervallo) at the The Moviemov: Italian Film Fest. They rolled out the red carpet for the stars at the Ayala Museum and GB3 cinema. Photo by Jude Bautista.

2nd from right: Amb. Luca Fornari of Italy in (white tux) with Sheika actors from left: Perry Dizon, Director Arnel Mardoquio and Fe Ginging Hyde (actor/producer). The Moviemov: Italian Film Fest rolled out the red carpet at the Ayala Museum and GB3 cinema. Photo by Jude Bautista.

According to him film fests have been an opportunity for different cultures to know each other more, “Today cinema serves as a diplomatic corridor that bridges cultures and nations. Through film we have the capacity and consequently are called to engage each other with mutual openness. There are opportunities to be explored and partnerships to be strengthened and rest assured, FDCP will continue to be at the forefront of such engagement. I would like to commend and thank the honorable Italian Ambassador to the Phil. Luca Fornari and Senator Gofredo Bettini for their commitment to see this festival through together with the Phil Italian Association. We hope you continue your unwavering passion to cultural endeavors and exchanges such as this.”

from left: Star Magic Chairman Emeritus Johnny Manahan and Piolo Pascual. The Moviemov: Italian Film Fest rolled out the red carpet at the Ayala Museum and GB3 cinema. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Santos also gave a salute to the outgoing Italian envoy who has made a lot of friends here, “To Ambassador Luca Fornari and his lovely wife Sylvana, Filipinos never like to say goodbye so we will await your return here to your second home.”

from left: Italian Ambassador Luca Fornari, Madame Silvana Norelli, FDCP Chair Briccio Santos and Mercedes Prieto. The Moviemov: Italian Film Fest rolled out the red carpet at the Ayala Museum and GB3 cinema. Photo by Jude Bautista.

Azkal Andrew Wolff, bagged the 1st Runner Up prize in Mr. World. The Moviemov: Italian Film Fest rolled out the red carpet at the Ayala Museum and GB3 cinema. Photo by Jude Bautista.

In Pintakasi Tikboy (JM De Guzman) morphs into a demon-like character. He is complete with blood red skin, gigantic horns, spikes on shoulders and elbows and a samurai sword.

Written and photographed

By Jude Bautista

In the intensity of their battle Tikboy (JM De Guzman) morphs into a demon-like character. He is complete with blood red skin, gigantic horns, spikes on shoulders and elbows and a samurai sword. DJ (John Wayne Sace) is a humanoid figure with an eagle head and talons for hands he has bright white skin. Their swords meet with a deafening clang. The hatred and strength of the winged creatures shoot both of them into the sky where they go on fighting.

DJ (John Wayne Sace) is a humanoid figure with an eagle head and talons for hands he has bright white skin.

Tikboy and DJ are just ordinary slum dwellers, fighting each other in an everyday battle for survival. But in “Pintakasi” they become something else, although it is animation they are representations of their characters and their state of mind.

Pintakasi gang 2nd from right: Producer Gov. Imee Marcos, from left: JM De Guzman (Tikboy), Alwyn Uytingco (Bogart) and Jeremiah Carandang (Andoy). Photo was taken at T.G.I.F post premiere party. Pintakasi is showing from Dec. 19-21, 2011 at Robinson’s Galleria. Photo by Jude Bautista

In Pintakasi the hatred and strength of the winged creatures shoot both of them into the sky where they go on fighting.

Art becomes more ‘real’ than live action showing who and what they are inside, using colors and shapes to amplify emotions. There’s a seamless integration of live action and animation. They fit together in Pintakasi in a way never before seen in Phil. cinema. All of this in a backdrop of Pinoy rap and acrobatic dance moves from the premiere hip hop group of the country: the Phil. All Stars.

There’s a seamless integration of live action and animation. They fit together in Pintakasi in a way never before seen in Phil. cinema. All of this in a backdrop of Pinoy rap and acrobatic dance moves from the premiere hip hop group of the country: the Phil. All Stars.

Don’t fail to catch the screenings at Robinson’s Galleria from December 19-21, 2011. The epic movie is part of the New Wave or independent section of this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival. Just thinking about these things in one movie makes it sound like a mish mash of elements that don’t belong together. But everything works on a conceptual level. That’s when you realize why it took so long to make. A lot had to be done to make it seamless both on the technical and creative aspects.

Alchris Galura gives Animator Juno Barcena a hug at the Pintakasi Premiere.

A lot of credit belongs to animation director Neslon Caliguia. And in this case it was truly a team effort from CREAM (Creative Media and Film Society of the Phil.), an umbrella organization that includes animators, film makers, graphic artists and other creative people. Their collective efforts resulted in a harmonious visual feast.  Members from different schools likeCollegeofSt. Benildeand St. Scholastica volunteered to help with “Pintakasi.”  According to producer Gov. Imee Marcos, “The premiere of the film is the fruit of all of their labors.” She also revealed that a graphic novel may also be published from the art work that has already been produced from the movie.

Center is Pintakasi Producer Gov. Imee Marcos with from left: Borgy Manotoc, Erich Gonzalez, John Wayne Sace and Winryll Banaag. Pintakasi is showing from Dec. 19-21, 2011 at Robinson’s Galleria. Photo by Jude Bautista

If there’s a weakness, it would be on the theme of poverty that is often used in independent film. But asCanneswinning director Brillante Mendoza himself put it, “We only make films about the truth that surrounds us.” As good as the animation portions are their importance can only be as good as the performance of the cast. And they definitely delivered. When it was shot they were a cast of budding young stars. The 3 year period between shooting dates and post production was unusually long for a local project. Now they have become more established actors and actresses in their own right.

from left: Jeremiah Carandang (Andoy), (seated) Winryll Banaag (Apol), John Wayne Sace (DJ) , Hazel Ann Medoza (Ella), Alwyn Uytingco (Bogart)

JM De Guzman (Tikboy) is a vicious gang leader in John Wayne Sace (DJ's) face

JM De Guzman for example, is almost unrecognizable. He plays the vicious Tikboy who has a far bigger and muscular frame and a skin head hairstyle. He inhabits the villain role easily and with skill. JM had another big role this year in “Babae Sa Septic Tank,” where he looks like the boy next door. He gained a lot of praise as the practical producer trying to work with hot head director Kean Cipriano while casting superstar Eugene Domingo, as herself. “..Septic Tank” is the official Phil. entry to the upcoming Oscar Awards.

: from left: Producer Gov. Imee Marcos and lead actress Erich Gonzalez (Josie Diyosa) during the Pintakasi premiere at Robinson’s Galleria. Pintakasi is showing from Dec. 19-21, 2011 at Robinson’s Galleria. Photo by Jude Bautista

Erich Gonzalez as the lovely Josie is aptly nicknamed Diyosa or goddess. If there was another inaccuracy is having a perfect face such as hers cast as a daeng (dried fish) vendor. Still it is necessary as she attracts both Tikboy and DJ which leads to a deadly rivalry. She acts well as the sensitive and kinder side of the slums. Both Erich and JM were Dulaang UP alumni, a well respected theater company.

Erich Gonzalez as the lovely Josie is aptly nicknamed Diyosa or goddess

The animation literally goes into the story through DJ played by Jon Wayne Sace. He is an artist who uses his art to help and make the people’s lives around him better. The lead role for Sace is a chance for more people to appreciate his acting abilities. A debut performance comes from Winryll Banaag as Apol, the crippled brother of Josie. Audiences may be shocked to find Boots Anson Roa as Lola, the unsavory brains behind a criminal syndicate. She is as convincing as the other roles we often see her in, a benign mother or wife.  Alchris Galura was a scene stealer as Bugoy with a host of one liners. He also stars in TV5’s “PS I Love You” with Gabby Concepcion and Dina Bonnevie.

Carl Joe Javier (right w glasses) wrote Pintakasi w Judith Albano and John Marc Diego. Photo by Jude Bautista

If there’s one film you should watch this MMFF this would be it.  No other entry showcases Pinoy artistry, dance and music than Pintakasi. And as the main character discovers, when you have the courage to pursue your own dream, it’s also possible to help people along the way.

from left: Alchris Galura is w big sis Glaize De Castro, Dominic Roco is horsing around behind them, Alwyn Uytingco and Felix Roco. Photo by Jude Bautista

Chanel Latorre is the sexy Lani. Photo by Jude Bautista

Written and photographed

By Jude Bautista

(Note: Rindido will be shown on January 26, 2011 in Robinson’s Galleria, Gotesco Grand Central, Commowealth and also in Cebu)

Efren (Noriel Jarito) chases Carlos (Vic Tiro) after catching him with is wife inside their apartment. Efren nearly falls down a flight of stairs to tackle Carlos. Two of Carlos’ drinking buddies grab him and start punching and kicking him. Almost jarringly, a cross cut of a sex scene between Efren and Lani (Chanel Latorre) invades the conflict. Frames of naked bodies intercut with Efren bleeding and getting hurt.

Lani’s moans of pleasure are a direct contrast to the violence of the previous scene. Sex is an antidote to the pain and frustrations for Efren at least for a little while.

Noriel Jarito plays the enraged OFW Efren. He is also the writer, director and producer of Rindido. Photo by Jude Bautista

The film title ‘Rindido’ translates from the Filipino word for rage. From the storyline there is a strong parallelism with “Falling Down” by Joel Shumacher starring Michael Douglas. Both movies deal with the frustrations of the common man: losing a job, a deteriorating family life and the rage that manifests itself in the violence that eventually unfolds.

The visuals, setting and cultural context, however, is entirely different. Grainy images, shaky camera movement reflects the main character’s (Efren) chaotic state of mind. Some of the fight sequences may appear to be campy or awkward. Instead of complicated action scenes, a simpler directorial treatment with one master shot would have done the job. Other than that weakness, the film is able to capture the pains and travails of an OFW (Overseas Filipino Workers) coming home. And there are many.

Vic Tiro is bad guy Carlo. Photo by Jude Bautista

Our current headlines show that criminals often prey on the OFW. Showing that truth on screen is one of the strengths of Noriel Jarito as a film maker. He plays main character Efren and is also the writer/director and producer. This is his first full feature which also premiered during the Metro Manila Film Festival last December. Rindido is one of five that debuted in the new MMFF Independent film category. The other titles include: “Presa” by Adolf Alix Jr., “Nasaan Si Hefte?” by Jonah Lim “Slow Fade” by Rommel Sales and “Senior Year” by Jerrold Tarog.

Rindido cast from left: director Noriel Jarito, QC Mayor Herbert Bautista, Chanel La Torre and Vic Tiro. Photo by Jude Bautista

Jarito is able to show the problems of society by using actual footage from real, everyday scenes. He recently won second place at the 1^st CCC (Climate Change Commission) Short Film competition. Popo Diaz won that contest for “Walag Hanggang Paghihintay.” Brillante Mendoza’s controversial music video entitled “Ayos Ka” was also screened during the fest, out of competition. Jarito has also won 2^nd prize in Gawad CCP for Alternative Film and video for another short, “BINGO.” He is a regular at the Cinema Rehiyon Film Festival which features films from around the Philippines. One of the most important achievements for Noriel is his establishment of a film fest in his province of Samar, Pambujan Pelikula Para sa Publiko Short Film fest.

The cast for “Rindido” includes Chanel Latorre who plays the youthful and seductive wife Lani. She is tall, fair skinned, very leggy with full lips not unlike Angelina Jolie or Julia Roberts. Latorre, however, is quite young and has sex appeal oozing in the same way those actress had in their earlier roles. Seeing her on screen is definitely worth the price of admission. Vic Tiro is bad guy Carlos the neighborhood toughie who is capable of anything from drug dealing to assault and even rape.

Rindido cast from left: Vic Tiro, director Noriel Jarito, Chanel La Torre, Banjo Romero, Glenn Openiano, Lot lot Bernardo and Marlon Jarito. Photo by Jude Bautista

Banjo Romero is the good cop trying to do his job in keeping the peace. Romero has a little bit of the smoldering looks of Robin Padilla and has often been cast in a multitude of action films because of this. Banjo has a lot of experience as a stuntman. The band Away for the Day provided their songs for the gritty action packed film.

Banjo Romero as Pulis. Photo by Jude Bautista

‘Rindido’ shows the painful truth that OFWs face everyday, the disintegration of their families, crime, abuse from their employers and the loss of job opportunities. All of these contribute to the festering rage that boils within. This is what can happen when we don’t address these problems.