Andrea Torres Shines in RED CARPET of Argentine Film Fest

Posted on November 19, 2022

Manuel Bocalandro and Andrea Torres; Watch Argentine Film classics for free at the RED CARPET Cinemas of Shang Plaza Mall as part of the Argentine Film Festival from November 18-21, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

Written and photographed

By Jude Thaddeus L. Bautista

GMA Network Star Andrea Torres added glamor to the RED CARPET Cinemas of Shang Plaza Mall, where the opening of the Argentine Film fest was held last November 17, 2022 and will run until November 21, 2022.

Organized by the Embassy of Argentina, Filipino audiences can watch remastered classic films for free. Most of them are Goya award winners and have become icons in Argentina.

A total of five titles will be screened: rom com ELSA & FRED, AGUA (WATER), A PLACE IN THE WORLD, ROMA and the black comedy WAITING FOR THE HEARSE.

From right: Argentinian Amb Ricardo Luis Bocalandro, Manuel Bocalandro, Andrea Torres and Shang Plaza Mall EVP Joy Polloso. Watch Argentine Film classics for free at the RED CARPET Cinemas of Shang Plaza Mall as part of the Argentine Film Festival from November 18-21, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

Shang’s Cultural Exchange

Shangri La Plaza Mall EVP for Retail and Commercial Joy Polloso said, “Shangri La Plaza has established a reputation of being a home for international cultural exchange with the aim of better understanding and creating bridges between people. The most recent example was the successful Spanish Film Festival. Days later, the Shang Rila Plaza Tree lighting at the Grand Atrium was celebrated with the best Filipino vocalists in Jed Madela and the Philippine Madrigal Singers. We were honored by the presence of Ambassador Ricardo Bocalandro and Madame Maria Elena Urriste de Bocalandro on that day as well, for that we are grateful.”

From left: GMA star Andrea Torres and Mdme Maria Elena Urriste de Bocalandro. Watch Argentine Film classics for free at the RED CARPET Cinemas of Shang Plaza Mall as part of the Argentine Film Festival from November 18-21, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

Polloso hinted they may screen Andrea Torres’ film next year, “Tonight, we are again graced with an example of Filipino world class talent in Andrea Torres. Together we will watch the premiere of the trailer of the film PASIONAL which she stars in with Marcelo Melingo. PASIONAL is a co-production of Argentine and Filipino film makers. Hopefully, by next year, on its release, we’ll be able to screen it here in RED CARPET cinemas.”

Andrea Torres stars in PASIONAL, shot in Cordoba, Argentina. Photo from: https://www.facebook.com/malevofilms/

“We at Shangri La Plaza are proud of the fact that we are more than just a cultural hub. Shangri La Plaza Mall is a place where you can find the best international and Philippine products, not to mention gastronomic delights. A selection of Argentine wines can be found at The Marketplace by Rustan’s. Most notably, as well, is the opening of Spanish brand Bershka at the ground floor. So we encourage everyone to explore the mall, in every way possible especially this Christmas season,” added Polloso.

Shang Plaza Mall EVP Joy Polloso; Watch Argentine Film classics for free at the RED CARPET Cinemas of Shang Plaza Mall as part of the Argentine Film Festival from November 18-21, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

Trailer and Opening film

Ambassador Ricardo Bocalandro shared that it was through their coordination with MALEVO FILMS, that allowed them to premiere the trailer at the opening of the Argentine Film fest here in Manila.

Center: Amb Ricardo Luis Bocalandro with Writer / Director Francisco D’Intino and MALEVO Films Production, before their Philippine shoot. Photo from: https://www.facebook.com/malevofilms/

The opening film incidentally was ELSA & FRED. This is a touching story of two people in their twilight years who managed to discover the joys and passions of love. A romantic Argentine classic that will surely touch Filipino hearts who are themselves romantics. The film was so successful it was remade by Hollywood to ELSA AND FRED with Christopher Plummer and Shirley Temple in 2014. Critics, however, praised the original Argentinian film more than the remake.

Watch Argentine Film classics for free at the RED CARPET Cinemas of Shang Plaza Mall as part of the Argentine Film Festival from November 18-21, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

Argentina’s Film History

In the prestigious Goya Awards, Argentina has dominated the Best Spanish Language Foreign Film with 18 trophies, which makes it the most awarded country. “It is also the first Latin American country that has won Academy Awards (Best Foreign Language Category), in recognition of the films THE OFFICIAL STORY (1985) and THE SECRET IN THEIR EYES (2009).” From wikiwand: Cinema of Argentina

Amb Ricardo Luis Bocalandro; Watch Argentine Film classics for free at the RED CARPET Cinemas of Shang Plaza Mall as part of the Argentine Film Festival from November 18-21, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

Ambassador Bocalandro gave a brief summary of achievements of the Argentine film industry. Starting with EL APOSTOL, widely considered as the world’s first animated feature film. Produced by Italian-Argetine immigrants Quirino Cristiani and Federico Valle in 1917.

Watch Argentine Film classics for free at the RED CARPET Cinemas of Shang Plaza Mall as part of the Argentine Film Festival from November 18-21, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

Bocalandro also mentioned 1931-1942, known as the “ Infamous Decade”. “Shut out of both the political and the economic arenas, the working class developed its own culture. By creating a sphere where they themselves could congregate, converse, laugh or cry. Films gave them a chance to develop a sense of Argentine national identity” From: Argentine Cinema and the Construction of National Popular Identity, 1930-1942, written by Tamara L Falicov

Politics, history were intertwined with cinema since then. Through to – 1960s Octavio Getino and Fernando “Pino” Solanas, THE HOUR OF THE FURNACES (La hora de los hornos)… this work examines racism, social upheaval, native massacres and the precarious political situations that could change in the wake of revolutionary rebellion. This outstanding documentary launched the Third Cinema movement and put Latin American cinema on the international map. From wikiwand: Cinema of Argentina

PASIONAL cast w MALEVO films and GMA Network Crew in Coron, Palawan. Photo from: https://www.facebook.com/malevofilms/

GMA Network and MALEVO Films

The very first feature film co-production between Philippines and Argentina is a collaboration between MALEVO Films and GMA Network. PASIONAL, written and directed by Francisco D’Intino, originally was supposed to be set in another Latin American country. Which also makes sense as it would have been easier to move between countries that may share borders.

Andrea Torres stars in PASIONAL, shot in Cordoba, Argentina. Photo from: https://www.facebook.com/malevofilms/

According to assistant director, Nicolas Cacciavillani, when they got the chance to see the Philippines they made up the mind to do it here. It wouldn’t be farfetched to think that Andrea Torres herself and the possibility of casting her figured in that decision. As the role of Mahalia was very integral. Two people falling in love from a chance encounter. Mahalia, a former tango dancer visits Cordoba as a juror in an International Tango Competition. Marcelo Melindo, plays Norberto, a biologist who falls for the exotic charms of Mahalia.

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption of Cordoba, Argentina. Photo from: https://www.facebook.com/malevofilms/

Most of the shooting periods were done over a period of a year and a half. 2 weeks were shot in Cordoba, Argentina, late 2021. Months later, April 2022, they shot in even more locations in the Philippines like Caramoan, Camarines Sur, Banaue Rice terraces, and Coron, Palawan. PASIONAL is still in the final stages of post-production and has a much anticipated release in both countries, most likely in 2023.

PASIONAL stars Marcelo Melingo and Andrea Torres in their Caramoan, Camarines Sur shoot in the Philippines. Photo from: https://www.facebook.com/malevofilms/

Andrea’s Sisa

Currently Andrea Torres is cast as Sisa in GMA’s popular daily TV series MARIA CLARA’T IBARRA. The show helps breathe life into the seminal novels of Jose Rizal. Lead star Barbie Forteza (as Klay), just doesn’t see the relevance of studying NOLI ME TANGERE and EL FILIBUSTERISMO in her life and future career as a nurse. So Klay, is hurled into that late 19^th century era by an antique book given by her professor.

From left: Shang Plaza Mall EVP Joy Polloso, Andrea Torres and Manuel Bocalandro. Watch Argentine Film classics for free at the RED CARPET Cinemas of Shang Plaza Mall as part of the Argentine Film Festival from November 18-21, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

Some might argue that the role of Sisa for Andrea Torres is even more challenging acting wise. The Youtube trailers and highlights of the series are among the most viewed from GMA. Andrea shares, “Marami pang mangyayari sa MARIA CLARA’T IBARRA. Papasok yung role ni Rocco (Nacino) which is Elias. Salome will come in. Syempre di pa tapos yung storya ni Sisa. On top of all that nandun pa yung dalawang Maria Clara (with Julie Anne San Jose and Forteza).”

PASIONAL actor Miguel Faustmann in Coron, Palawan. Photo from: https://www.facebook.com/malevofilms/

Losing Miguel Faustmann

Cast and crew of PASIONAL, were distressed, with the sudden passing by one of its actors Miguel Faustmann. He died in his sleep days after a thanksgiving dinner as production had wrapped up. The whole theater and showbiz community in the Philippines was shocked by the news of the 67 year old’s death, May 15, 2022.

PASIONAL cast from left: Miguel Faustmann, Director Francisco D’Intino and Marcelo Melingo in Coron, Palawan. Photo from: https://www.facebook.com/malevofilms/

Faustmann was a legendary actor in theater and also had major roles in TV and film: ENCANTADIA (2005), HENERAL LUNA (2015) and GOYO: ANG BATANG HENERAL (2018) . But always had a love for his home in theater as actor and director. His role in PASIONAL was that of a doctor who befriends Mahalia. He was perfect for the role of an Argentine with his fluent Spanish.

PASIONAL cast from left: Miguel Faustmann, Andrea Torres and Marcelo Melingo in Coron, Palawan. Photo from: https://www.facebook.com/malevofilms/

Torres said, “We were just with him a few days before. He was very nice, funny. He’s close to everyone, very warm. So we’re really very sad when he died. But at least we got to meet him. Build memories with him. I also worked with him on a series in GMA, VICTOR MAGTANGGOL, fantaserye”. Describing his acting style Torres adds, “It’s very natural, you won’t feel like he’s acting. He likes doing ad libs. He also likes talking to you off cam so you get that rapport.”

Miguel Faustman with arms raised in PASIONAL cast and crew group pic w MALEVO films and GMA Network Crew in Coron, Palawan. Photo from: https://www.facebook.com/malevofilms/

Behind the scenes photos reveal Faustmann, smiling and laughing in the pristine beaches of Coron, Palawan and Caramoan, Camarines Sur. Fans could take comfort in the thought that he was happy and enjoyed himself in his last days. Being in paradise like environs, doing what he loved most, acting.

PASIONAL cast w MALEVO films and GMA Network Crew in Coron, Palawan. Photo from: https://www.facebook.com/malevofilms/

La Boca, Buenos Aires

From the world class beaches of the Philippines is the old world charm of Argentina. The cobble stone streets of Cordoba where the film was shot. Exteriors were shot beside the historic Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption of Cordoba.

Andrea Torres stars in PASIONAL, shot in Cordoba, Argentina. Photo from: https://www.facebook.com/malevofilms/

In between shooting dates, producers gave Andrea free reign to visit the sights. Among them is the old district of La Boca, originally an Italian enclave, with immigrants specifically from Genoa. Historically was a very poor district and even became a landfill at one point. Until resident artist “Benito Quinquela Martín painstakingly prepared the walls facing the abandoned street, applying pastel colors” What began in Caminito Street in 1954 slowly spread to the district. Today it’s a tourist destination. From: Caminito wikiwand

Andrea Torres in La Boca District, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Photo from: https://www.instagram.com/andreaetorres/

LA CABRERA

During her time in Argentina, Torres fell in love with the culture and the food. She also had to learn Spanish for her role and in turn polished co-stars Marcelo’s English, “Everyone was so nice it was easy for me to adjust to them. We have similarities in terms of how we do things here in the Philippines. So it was easy for me. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. In between they would let me enjoy their country. Pag down time tinuturuan niya ako ng Spanish. Tinuturuan ko rin siya ng English. We made sure in the movie it’s like that. There’s Spanish and a bit of English. Interesting to watch because there’s that exchange.”

Tango scene at Teatro Libertador San Martin in Cordoba, Argentina. Photo from: https://www.facebook.com/malevofilms/

To this day, she gets a craving for Argentine cuisine. And when she does she goes to LA CABRERA in EDSA Shangrila Hotel or 6750 Ayala Ave, “I love the food. So now I am a regular in LA CABRERA. That’s the restaurant here that serves authentic Argentinian food. I’m always there. They have this grilled cheese called Provoleta. Of course the meat because I’m a meat eater. Lots of side dishes, sausages and the best gelato.”

Provoleta grilled cheese from LA CABRERA, EDSA Shangrila Hotel and 6750 Ayala Ave. https://www.facebook.com/lacabreramanila/

Provoleta, is grilled Provolone cheese over a pan and has a variety with Parma ham, sundried tomatoes and basil called – Provoleta con Jamon Crudo, Tomates Secos y Albahaca. If you do get the craving for Argentinian food LA CABRERA is really worth visiting. You might just catch a glimpse of sexy and talented Andrea Torres as well.

Argentinian Amb Ricardo Luis Bocalandro and PASIONAL star Andrea Torres. Watch Argentine Film classics for free at the RED CARPET Cinemas of Shang Plaza Mall as part of the Argentine Film Festival from November 18-21, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

LA CABRERA, EDSA Shangrila Hotel
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Center: Amb Ricardo Luis Bocalandro, from right: Shang Plaza Mall EVP Joy Polloso and Shang Properties Director Property Management Miguel Feuermann. Watch Argentine Film classics for free at the RED CARPET Cinemas of Shang Plaza Mall as part of the Argentine Film Festival from November 18-21, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

Philippine Film Export Service Proj. Dev. Officer RJ Chan. Watch Argentine Film classics for free at the RED CARPET Cinemas of Shang Plaza Mall as part of the Argentine Film Festival from November 18-21, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Andrea Torres’ photo of Cordoba, Argentina. Photo from: https://www.instagram.com/andreaetorres/

PASIONAL stars Marcelo Melingo and Andrea Torres in Cordoba, Argentina. Photo from: https://www.instagram.com/andreaetorres/

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From right: Argentinian Amb Ricardo Luis Bocalandro, Manuel Bocalandro, Andrea Torres and Mdme Maria Elena Urriste de Bocalandro. Watch Argentine Film classics for free at the RED CARPET Cinemas of Shang Plaza Mall as part of the Argentine Film Festival from November 18-21, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

Right: PASIONAL Director of Photography Gio Croatto with GMA Network crew. Photo from: https://www.facebook.com/malevofilms/

From left: Brazilian Amb Antonio Maria Jose De Sauza, Gisela Pinto Zircon, Argentinian Amb Ricardo Luis Bocalandro, Argentine Emb. Consul Mauricio German Muñoz and Brazilian Emb Counselor Ricardo dos Santos Poletto. Watch Argentine Film classics for free at the RED CARPET Cinemas of Shang Plaza Mall as part of the Argentine Film Festival from November 18-21, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Andrea Torres stars in PASIONAL, shot in Cordoba, Argentina. Photo from: https://www.facebook.com/malevofilms/

Rib Eye and steaks from LA CABRERA, EDSA Shangrila Hotel and 6750 Ayala Ave. https://www.facebook.com/lacabreramanila/

PASIONAL stars Marcelo Melingo and Andrea Torres in their Caramoan, Camarines Sur shoot in the Philippines. Photo from: https://www.facebook.com/malevofilms/

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Center: Amb Ricardo Luis Bocalandro, from left: Deputy Head of Mission Andrea Repetti, GMA star Andrea Torres, Argentine Emb. Secretary and Consul Ana Clara Pianezza and Consul Mauricio German Muñoz. Watch Argentine Film classics for free at the RED CARPET Cinemas of Shang Plaza Mall as part of the Argentine Film Festival from November 18-21, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

PASIONAL stars Marcelo Melingo and Andrea Torres in their Caramoan, Camarines Sur shoot in the Philippines. Photo from: https://www.facebook.com/malevofilms/

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Andrea Torres stars in PASIONAL, shot in Cordoba, Argentina. Photo from: https://www.facebook.com/malevofilms/

From left: Argentinian Amb Ricardo Luis Bocalandro, Andrea Torres, Manuel Bocalandro and Argentine Emb. Secretary and Consul Ana Clara Pianezza. Watch Argentine Film classics for free at the RED CARPET Cinemas of Shang Plaza Mall as part of the Argentine Film Festival from November 18-21, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

Tango scene in Cordoba, Argentina. Photo from: https://www.facebook.com/malevofilms/

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Tango scene in Cordoba, Argentina. Photo from: https://www.facebook.com/malevofilms/

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PASIONAL cast w MALEVO films and GMA Network Crew in Coron, Palawan. Photo from: https://www.facebook.com/malevofilms/

GMA star Andrea Torres; Watch Argentine Film classics for free at the RED CARPET Cinemas of Shang Plaza Mall as part of the Argentine Film Festival from November 18-21, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

From left: Panama Consul Gen. Fabio Geraldo Valdez, GMA star Andrea Torres, Alejandra Barco Escribano and Andy Cossio. Watch Argentine Film classics for free at the RED CARPET Cinemas of Shang Plaza Mall as part of the Argentine Film Festival from November 18-21, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista (47)

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Andrea Torres in La Boca District, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Photo from: https://www.instagram.com/andreaetorres/

From left: PASIONAL Writer / Director Francisco D’Intino and Director of Photography Gio Croatto. Photo from: https://www.facebook.com/malevofilms/

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PASIONAL actor Miguel Faustmann; Watch Argentine Film classics for free at the RED CARPET Cinemas of Shang Plaza Mall as part of the Argentine Film Festival from November 18-21, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista