Tenor Mark Joshua Morales and Soprano Angella Lista serenade guests while on gondolas at the opening of the Italian Film Festival, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKinley Hill Taguig, September 30, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

Written and photographed

By Jude Bautista

The Venice Grand Canal Mall was glittering with lights and the voices of opera. Tenor Mark Joshua Morales was clad in red tuxedo floating on a gondola. Soprano Angella Lista was on her own gondola. The two balancing themselves on the calm waters, serenaded guests on the PONTE RIALTO restaurant by the bank.

2nd from right: Italian Amb. Marco Clemente with from left: PIA GM Alessandro Milani, Festival Dir. Antonio Termenini and Brillante Mendoza at the opening of the Italian Film Festival, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKinley Hill Taguig, September 30, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

You could be forgiven if you believed you were actually in the city of Venice instead of McKinley Hill in Taguig, Philippines. As it was the opening night (September 29, 2022) of the Italian Film Festival organized collectively by Direzione Generale Cinema e Audio Visio, Embassy of Italy Manila and the Philippine Italian Association.

Festival Dir Antonio Termenini; The Italian Film Festival opening was held at the Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKinley Hill Taguig, September 30, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

The public can watch the best and newest Italian cinema has to offer for free in the Italian Film Festival. It will run from September 29- October 2, 2022. Amb Marco Clemente, Brillante Mendoza, JFM Dir Ben Suzuki were among those showing their support for the monumental cinematic event.

Tenor Mark Joshua Morales and Soprano Angella Lista serenade guests while on gondolas at the opening of the Italian Film Festival, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKinley Hill Taguig, September 30, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

In a speech, Festival director Antonio Termenini described the seven films:

— 3/19 by Silvio Soldini, ‘deals with the theme of immigration with particular tact. ‘

— A CHIARA ‘a beautiful second work by Jonas Carpignano’.

— IL SILENZIO GRANDE (THE GREAT SILENCE) ‘the eccentric comedy by Alessandro Gassman’

— L’ARMINUTA (THE RETURN) by Giuseppe Bonito, ‘a film that will be enjoyed by cinephiles’.

— AMERICA LATINA – ‘the third original work by the D’Innocenzio brothers, a disturbing portrait of the Italian countryside’.

‘Then, in the best tradition of Italian cinema there will be two particularly entertaining comedies UNA NOTTE DA DOTTORE (DOCTOR ON CALL) by Guido Chiesa and LA SCIARSI UN GIORNO A ROMA (BREAKING UP IN ROME) by Edoardo Leo’.

AMERICA LATINA screened at opening night, starred Elio Germano one of the most celebrated Italian actors. Having won the David di Donatello (Best Actor award), not just in Italy but also in Cannes.

Film and Cultural Exchange

Newly appointed Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Chairman Tirso Cruz III gave a video message before the screening. Being a well-respected and working actor, he has yet to iron out the events with his shooting schedule.

On top of which, Chairman Cruz had to preside over the closing of the Philippine Cinema Month. Where they announced ON THE JOB: THE MISSING 8 as the official Philippine entry to the 95^th Oscar awards in the Best International Feature Film Category. Actor John Arcilla, incidentally won the Volpi Cup at the Venice fest in 2021, for the same film.

FDCP Chairman Tirso Cruz III; The Italian Film Festival opening was held at the Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKinley Hill Taguig, September 30, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

In his video message Cruz highlighted the partnership between the Philippines and Italy through cinema, “Know that I am with you in spirit, rest assured that the FDCP is always here to extend its full support for the cause of cultural exchange. It has been more than two years since the pandemic has disrupted our beloved film industry. And now more than ever it is critical that we work together as  a film loving community… Partnerships like the Italian film festival  are important because the only way to get through the current challenges is to work together.”

Return of Italian Cinema

Cruz also made note that, Italian movies were screening in Manila prior to the second world war, “A historian friend once related to me how, before the great wars, the streets of Escolta Manila, used to be lined with beautiful stand-alone theaters that showed films from Europe. Most notably Italian films. I told him how fortunate he was to bask in all that culture. While some of us today have to actually go to Europe to see those great films.”

The Italian Film Festival opening was held at the Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKinley Hill Taguig, September 30, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

“Tonight is significant because it represents the return of Italian films in Philippine movie houses, since in a long time…The road to recovery is steep but the journey becomes bearable when you have a community that has your back. Tonight part of that community is here. I would like to take the time to congratulate The Philippine Italian Association for organizing this festival. Thank you Direzione Generale Cinema e Audio Visio and Embassy of Italy Manila for making this festival possible.”

Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKInley Hill Taguig. Photo by Jude Bautista

PH Cinema in Rome

Antonio Termenini is not only the auteur behind the Italian Film festival here, he is also the Festival Director for the Asian Film Festival held in Rome. As such he has supported Filipino and other Asian filmmakers for more than a decade.

Festival Dir Antonio Termenini; The Italian Film Festival opening was held at the Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKinley Hill Taguig, September 30, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

He said, “The Philippine cinema shown yearly in Rome, has always had a special place in our Asian Film Festival. In 2008, we were the first in Europe to present a complete retrospective of Brillante Mendoza’s works. In 2010, he visited Rome after being awarded in Cannes Film Festival as Best Director for KINATAY. Filipino films have always had a prominent place in the four categories of the festival, i.e. competition, out of competition, young directors and retrospectives.”

From right: PIA GM Alessandro Milani, Festival Dir. Antonio Termenini, Brillante Mendoza, JFM Dir Ben Suzuki and JFM Asst Dir Wataru Abe. The Italian Film Festival opening was held at the Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKinley Hill Taguig, September 30, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

Termenini also mentioned the many Filipino directors he has met and supported over the years, “I recall many Masters in the field, such as Juno Rablas, winner of two awards with KALEL 15 and BIG NIGHTS. Sonny Calvento, winner of Young Director’s Award in 2018 with THE DECAYING. Other Masters like Lav Diaz and other important filmmakers like the late Joseph Laban, Daniel Palacio, Ralston Jover and Raya Martin.”

Watch the latest Italian movies for free at the Italian Film Festival from Sept 29 to Oct 2, 2022, Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKinley Hill Taguig.

Masked mimes greet you in Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKinley Hill Taguig. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Tenor Mark Joshua Morales and Soprano Angella Lista serenade guests while on gondolas at the opening of the Italian Film Festival, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKinley Hill Taguig, September 30, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Map of Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKinley Hill, Taguig.

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Tenor Mark Joshua Morales and Soprano Angella Lista at the opening of the Italian Film Festival, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKinley Hill Taguig, September 30, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

Tenor Mark Joshua Morales and Soprano Angella Lista serenade guests while on gondolas at the opening of the Italian Film Festival, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKinley Hill Taguig, September 30, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista (21)

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Watch the latest Italian movies for free at the Italian Film Festival from Sept 29 to Oct 2, 2022, Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKinley Hill Taguig.

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Tenor Mark Joshua Morales and Soprano Angella Lista serenade guests while on gondolas at the opening of the Italian Film Festival, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKinley Hill Taguig, September 30, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

The Italian Film Festival opening was held at the Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKinley Hill Taguig, September 30, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Map of Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKinley Hill, Taguig.

Map of Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKinley Hill, Taguig. (27)

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From left: Italian Amb. Marco Clemente and Brillante Mendoza at the opening of the Italian Film Festival, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKinley Hill Taguig, September 30, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

Watch the latest Italian movies for free at the Italian Film Festival from Sept 29 to Oct 2, 2022, Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKinley Hill Taguig.

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Modern take on stained glass at the Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKinley Hill Taguig. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Watch the latest Italian movies for free at the Italian Film Festival from Sept 29 to Oct 2, 2022, Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKinley Hill Taguig.

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Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKInley Hill Taguig. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Elio Germano (Massimo Sisti); Watch AMERCA LATINA and other titles for free at the Italian Film Festival from Sept 29 to Oct 2, 2022, Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKInley Hill Taguig.

Written and photographed

By Jude Bautista

AMERICA LATINA by prodigious twins Damiano and Fabio D’Innocenzo is the kind of film that stays with you long after you’ve watched it. Your mind is still figuring out what is reality, what is delusion.

The story forces the viewer to go on that slow descent to madness. OR was he mad all along? When and how is just as important as what’s real. It’s all there for you to piece together.

How much of a verbally abusive parent damages a child? When that child becomes a parent how much of the pattern of abuse does he or she repeat?

It’s as dark and psychological thriller as a film can be. So it’s not for the faint of heart. But if you go on that journey, doing so can be rewarding in its own way.

Center: Italian Amb. Marco Clemente with from left: Festival Dir. Antonio Termenini and Brillante Mendoza at the opening of the Italian Film Festival, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKInley Hill Taguig, September 30, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

You can watch AMERICA LATINA for free in Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKinley Hill, Taguig. The movie is part of the Italian Film Festival along with many more titles running from Sept 29-Oct 2, 2022. There’s a latest selection of titles, from the comedy of Una Notte Da Dottore (DOCTOR ON CALL)  to the romance of La Sciarsi Un Giorno A Roma (BREAKING UP IN ROME).

Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKInley Hill Taguig. Photo by Jude Bautista

Perfect World

Elio Germano (Massimo) seems to live an idyllic life as a successful dentist. He lives in a Mid Century Modern house, with its own pool. His wife Astrid Casali (Alessandra) is always supportive and affectionate. Daughters Laura and Ilenia take after their attractive mother. So much so, their angelic faces are reminiscent of renaissance paintings of cherubs. Ilenia, played by Federica Pala, is a piano prodigy who writes her own music and also draws well.

Watch AMERCA LATINA and other titles for free at the Italian Film Festival from Sept 29 to Oct 2, 2022, Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKInley Hill Taguig.

From left: Carlotta Gamba (Laura Sisti), Astrid Casali (Alessandra Sisti) and Federica Pala (Ilenia Sisti). Watch AMERCA LATINA and other titles for free at the Italian Film Festival from Sept 29 to Oct 2, 2022, Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKInley Hill Taguig.

Massimo’s perfect world is shattered when he discovers a girl tied up and gagged in his basement. He couldn’t get away from the questions. Who put her there? Was he the one who kidnapped her and tie her up? Was his drinking buddy Simone trying to extort money from him? IF Massimo did it, why can’t he remember, when or how he did it? If it was Simone how did he pull it off without him knowing?

The story of the film is about retracing his steps and figuring out the mystery.

Sara Ciocca (Lucia); Watch AMERCA LATINA and other titles for free at the Italian Film Festival from Sept 29 to Oct 2, 2022, Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKInley Hill Taguig.

Elio Germano

Elio Germano, who plays the main character Massimo, gave a powerful performance. As someone who is trying to piece together his memory, his own sanity. Elio is multitalented as he also raps occasionally, collaborating with artists such as BestieRare and Teho Teardo. His forays into music have a strong social commentary dealing with issues like unemployment, homelessness and ‘Fascist violence’.

Elio Germano (Massimo Sisti) and Federica Pala (Ilenia Sisti); Watch AMERCA LATINA and other titles for free at the Italian Film Festival from Sept 29 to Oct 2, 2022, Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKInley Hill Taguig.

This is Germano’s second film with the D’Innocenzio brothers. He played Bruno Placido in Favolacce (BAD TALES-2020 ). Which won best Screenplay in Berlin.

Elio is widely recognized as one of the most brilliant actors in Italy. He has won several Best Actor awards among them: the David di Donatello (MY BROTHER IS AN ONLY CHILD-2007), Venice (LEOPARDI-2014) and from Cannes (LA NOSTRA VITA-2010).

Elio Germano (Massimo Sisti); Watch AMERCA LATINA and other titles for free at the Italian Film Festival from Sept 29 to Oct 2, 2022, Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKInley Hill Taguig.

His most recent win is for HIDDEN AWAY also at the Berlin International Film Festival (2020). The role is reclusive painter Antonio Ligabue, where he also portrayed someone dealing with mental illness.

Elgio Germano has a very striking resemblance with Italian actor / filmmaker based in the Philippines: Ruben Maria Soriquez.

Ruben Soriquez is a PH based Italian Actor and director. (10)

Incidentally, Soriquez’ work THE SPIDER’S MAN (2019) is currently part of the Cine Europa film festival here in the Philippines. This year there are public screenings in Rizal Park as well an online component. For schedules and details log on to: cineuropaph.com

Federica Pala (Ilenia Sisti); Watch AMERCA LATINA and other titles for free at the Italian Film Festival from Sept 29 to Oct 2, 2022, Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKInley Hill Taguig.

Cinematographer Paolo Carnera

Putting to screen the D’Innocenzio brothers’ vision for LATINA isn’t as simple as it sounds. Fabio in an interview was talking about a world beneath the surface. You can see it with their use of reflections, whether on glass or the smooth surface of the piano. The reflections of characters faces, seem to mirror that inner workings of the mind or reality if you will.

Composing the camera where windows, walls become a framing device. The viewer sees Massimo is a prisoner in his own mind. Extreme close ups are not enough for the D’Innocenzo brothers. Macro shots of body parts like eyes, skin, eye brows, take the viewer inside Massimo’s mental state. You see details of the skin. The camera is taking you into the world within.

Watch AMERCA LATINA and other titles for free at the Italian Film Festival from Sept 29 to Oct 2, 2022, Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKInley Hill Taguig.

The challenge was fulfilled by cinematographer Paolo Carnera. Incidentally he won his Nastro d’Argento (Best Cinematography) award for his work on BAD TALES, also with the brothers and Elio Germano in the lead role.

Carenra was born in Venice, the famous city that inspired the design of Venice Grand Canal Mall in McKinley Hill, Taguig.

Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKInley Hill Taguig. Photo by Jude Bautista

Title

For the twins, LATINA is their third film, that is tied together via theme. Each story is independent of each other but has the similarity of parental and filial relationships. Their first is BOYS CRY (2018) and BAD TALES (2020).

Writer Directors Damiano and Fabio D’Innocenzio; Watch AMERCA LATINA and other titles for free at the Italian Film Festival from Sept 29 to Oct 2, 2022, Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKInley Hill Taguig.

There are many questions I myself have not figured out completely. One of them is the title AMERICA LATINA. Latina is self-explanatory as that is the town just outside of Rome. The actual film location. America for me is not as clear.

Watch AMERCA LATINA and other titles for free at the Italian Film Festival from Sept 29 to Oct 2, 2022, Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKInley Hill Taguig.

Could it be a metaphor for the colonial experience of Latin American countries? Where European colonial rulers (the parents) ‘abused’ the people and resources. And in a way their ‘children’  are the former territories, in places like Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, arguably even early in the history of the U.S.A.? A pattern of colonialism that the U.S. repeated with its own conquered territories, including the Philippines.

Carlotta Gamba (Laura Sisti); Watch AMERCA LATINA and other titles for free at the Italian Film Festival from Sept 29 to Oct 2, 2022, Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKInley Hill Taguig.

These are the questions and topics you can have, if you watch AMERICA LATINA with your barkada. Because its free you can watch it more than once, affordably. Debate as passionately as you want over beers, pasta, wine in PONTE RIAL and other restaurants in Venice Canal Grand Mall: Italiani’s, TGIF, Cobalabamba and many more.

Two of many masked mimes who greet you in Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKInley Hill Taguig. Photo by Jude Bautista

Elio Germano (Massimo Sisti); Watch AMERCA LATINA and other titles for free at the Italian Film Festival from Sept 29 to Oct 2, 2022, Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKInley Hill Taguig.

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Maurizio Lastrico (Simone); Watch AMERCA LATINA and other titles for free at the Italian Film Festival from Sept 29 to Oct 2, 2022, Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKInley Hill Taguig.

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Elio Germano (Massimo Sisti) and Astrid Casali (Alessandra Sisti); Watch AMERCA LATINA and other titles for free at the Italian Film Festival from Sept 29 to Oct 2, 2022, Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKInley Hill Taguig.

Elio Germano (Massimo Sisti) and Astrid Casali (Alessandra Sisti); Watch AMERCA LATINA and other titles for free at the Italian Film Festival from Sept 29 to Oct 2, 2022, Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKInley Hill Taguig.

Elio Germano (Massimo Sisti) and Astrid Casali (Alessandra Sisti); Watch AMERCA LATINA and other titles for free at the Italian Film Festival from Sept 29 to Oct 2, 2022, Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKInley Hill Taguig.

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Watch AMERCA LATINA and other titles for free at the Italian Film Festival from Sept 29 to Oct 2, 2022, Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKInley Hill Taguig.

Federica Pala (Ilenia Sisti); Watch AMERCA LATINA and other titles for free at the Italian Film Festival from Sept 29 to Oct 2, 2022, Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKInley Hill Taguig. (27)

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Modern take on stained glass at the Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKInley Hill Taguig. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Astrid Casali (Alessandra Sisti); Watch AMERCA LATINA and other titles for free at the Italian Film Festival from Sept 29 to Oct 2, 2022, Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKInley Hill Taguig.

From left: Carlotta Gamba (Laura Sisti), Astrid Casali (Alessandra Sisti) and Federica Pala (Ilenia Sisti). Watch AMERCA LATINA and other titles for free at the Italian Film Festival from Sept 29 to Oct 2, 2022, Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKInley Hill Taguig.

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Elio Germano (Massimo Sisti); Watch AMERCA LATINA and other titles for free at the Italian Film Festival from Sept 29 to Oct 2, 2022, Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKInley Hill Taguig.

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Carlotta Gamba (Laura Sisti); Watch AMERCA LATINA and other titles for free at the Italian Film Festival from Sept 29 to Oct 2, 2022, Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKInley Hill Taguig.

Watch AMERCA LATINA and other titles for free at the Italian Film Festival from Sept 29 to Oct 2, 2022, Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKInley Hill Taguig.

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Watch AMERCA LATINA and other titles for free at the Italian Film Festival from Sept 29 to Oct 2, 2022, Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKInley Hill Taguig.

Watch AMERCA LATINA and other titles for free at the Italian Film Festival from Sept 29 to Oct 2, 2022, Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKInley Hill Taguig.

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Watch AMERCA LATINA and other titles for free at the Italian Film Festival from Sept 29 to Oct 2, 2022, Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKInley Hill Taguig. (40)

Watch AMERCA LATINA and other titles for free at the Italian Film Festival from Sept 29 to Oct 2, 2022, Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKInley Hill Taguig.

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Watch AMERCA LATINA and other titles for free at the Italian Film Festival from Sept 29 to Oct 2, 2022, Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKInley Hill Taguig.

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Watch AMERCA LATINA and other titles for free at the Italian Film Festival from Sept 29 to Oct 2, 2022, Venice Cineplex, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKInley Hill Taguig.

(Center) French Pres. Francoise Hollande (left) Manila Mayor Joeph Estrada & (right) Vice Admiral Jesse Millan at the Rizal monument; during Pres. Hollande’s State visit to the Philippines last Feb 26, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

Written and photographed

By Jude Bautista

This year French President Françoise Hollande visited the Philippines to commemorate 20 years of diplomatic ties. In reality France has had a longer more established relationship with the Philippines through cinema. Nora Aunor’s work made her return to Cannes through TAKLUB directed by Brillante Mendoza. Based on the story of Yolanda survivors highlighting the dangers of climate change the film earned the Ecumenical Jury Prize-Special Mention.

While Mendoza has won several awards from Cannes in recent years, Aunor’s connection to the fest goes further to BONA. The Lino Brocka directed film was screened at the Director’s Fortnight in 1981.

Nora Aunor raises her Cinemalaya Best Actress Award for HUSTISYA (Director’s Showcase Category) at the CCP last August 2014. Photo by Jude Bautista

Apart from the awards he won at Cannes, Mendoza also had a French co production-starring actress Isabelle Huppert and Angel Aquino in the film CAPTIVE in 2012. This year’s French film festival also features the latest co production in ABOVE THE CLOUDS directed by Pepe Diokno.

The French Film Festival celebrates its 20th year of bringing critically acclaimed films and blockbusters to local audiences. The festival aims to promote French culture and, at the same time, support the local film industry by screening and paying tribute to classic and contemporary Philippine films.

SAINT LAUREN is a riveting biopic on one of the most influential designers of our time. It is one of the many movies you can watch at the French Film Festival 2015 running from June 3 to 9, 2015 at the Greenbelt 3 cinemas in Makati City and at the Bonifacio High Street cinemas in Taguig.

The French Film Festival will be running from June 3 to 9, 2015 at the Greenbelt 3 cinemas in Makati City and at the Bonifacio High Street cinemas in Taguig. Similar to last year, tickets for each screening are priced at P100.00 to cover the operational costs of the cinema. Tickets are available at the box office or through http://www.sureseats.com.

La Famille Bélier (The Bélier Family) is one of the many movies you can watch at the French Film Festival 2015. It will be running from June 3 to 9, 2015 at the Greenbelt 3 cinemas in Makati City and at the Bonifacio High Street cinemas in Taguig.

Brillante Mendoza’s Taklub to be honored at the French Film Festival

To commemorate the two decade run of the French Film Festival, two films will be screened at the red carpet opening night on June 3 at Greenbelt 5. The opening French film, La Famille Bélier (The Bélier Family), tells the story of a provincial deaf-mute family that must deal with the desire of their daughter to study music in Paris. On the same night, Taklub, Brillante Mendoza’s latest film and the only Philippine entry to the Un Certain Regard section of the 2015 Cannes Film Festival, will be premiering at the festival’s red carpet opening night.

Amb Gilles Garachon; The French Film Festival will be running from June 3 to 9, 2015 at the Greenbelt 3 cinemas in Makati City and at the Bonifacio High Street cinemas in Taguig. Photo by Jude Bautista

TAKLUB will be the opening film of the French Film fest. Ambassador Gilles Garachon was very much impressed with Nora Aunor in TAKLUB, “Her performance is breathtaking. I think she personifies the Filipina, very courageous, very dedicated not showing off. The way she plays is minimal but very efficient way. She communicates emotions easily so it’s very moving.”

Center: Amb Gilles Garachon left: Alliance Francaise de Manille Dir. Patrick Deyvant and French Counselor for Cooperation and Cultural Affairs Michel Villar. The French Film Festival will be running from June 3 to 9, 2015 at the Greenbelt 3 cinemas in Makati City and at the Bonifacio High Street cinemas in Taguig. Photo by Jude Bautista

Garachon was also very touched with how modest Aunor is in person after meeting her, “I googled her before going into the theater just to see. I saw her in google in make up. But when she visited the embassy she was very very casual. I saw the Lacoste t-shirt but she was casual and nice. It was very casual, two human beings speaking and it was very pleasant. She told me about Cannes with a very nice sense of humor. If she could be at the opening that would be very meaningful.”

Amb Gilles Garachon & Eagle Broadcasting Producer Feamor Tiosen. The French Film Festival will be running from June 3 to 9, 2015 at the Greenbelt 3 cinemas in Makati City and at the Bonifacio High Street cinemas in Taguig. Photo by Jude Bautista

On a personal note Amb Garachon will be wrapping up his term in the Philippines by the end of June. For him his host country has been a special experience, It was a wonderful experience I’ve been here 3 and a half years. It was the first time for me in the Philippines. I’ve been to Boracay as a tourist. So it was a fascinating discovery because of the people. The country is amazing and beautiful with a lot of sceneries beautiful beaches and historical places. But the real prize is the people. The Filipino people for me is no.1. People are very nice but with a great sense of humor. Everyday here is joyful and nice a real privilege to work and live in the Philippines. The past 3 years will be absolutely unforgettable for my family and me. I think and hope we have become a part of the Filipino family. Definitely we feel at home here, we shall come back as tourists.”

Filmmaker Pepe Diokno is showing ABOVE THE CLOUDS in August locally. The French Film Festival will be running from June 3 to 9, 2015 at the Greenbelt 3 cinemas in Makati City and at the Bonifacio High Street cinemas in Taguig. Photo by Jude Bautista

Pepe Diokno’s ABOVE THE CLOUDS & BROTHERHOOD

Pepe Diokno, with his film Above the Clouds, is the first recipient of the World Cinema Fund granted by the France’s Ministry of Culture and Communication, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development, and Institut Français. This fund seeks to provide funding for joint French and Filipino co-productions.

La Belle et la bête (Beauty and the Beast) is one of the many movies you can watch at the French Film Festival 2015. It will be running from June 3 to 9, 2015 at the Greenbelt 3 cinemas in Makati City and at the Bonifacio High Street cinemas in Taguig.

Moreover, the Centre National du Cinéma et de l’Image Animée (CNC) signed a cooperation agreement with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) to facilitate the establishment of a National Film Archives for the conservation of Philippine film heritage.

from left: Business World reporter Zsarlene Chua, PDI Writer Bayani San Diego & Filmmaker Pepe Diokno. The French Film Festival will be running from June 3 to 9, 2015 at the Greenbelt 3 cinemas in Makati City and at the Bonifacio High Street cinemas in Taguig. Photo by Jude Bautista

Diokno talked about the French role in the post production work on ABOVE THE CLOUDS starring Pepe Smith and Rue Madrid. After qualifying for a grant called Aide De Cinema Du Monde, the World Cinema Support Grant he was able to get funding to the tune of 110,000 Euros. A prestigious French production company called UNLIMITED helped with the facilities and technical expertise.

Diokno explains, “Last year I was in Paris close to 4 months to do post production on our film. We did editing, sound editing, sound mixing, color grading, mastering. It was a really really beautiful experience. It was good because the first thing our French co producer said was, they’re here not to make a French film they’re here to make a Filipino film first and foremost. It just so happened to be supported by France. That’s one of the best things working with the French to them its all about the soul of a film. Working with them was about that. My upcoming film KAPATIRAN (BROTHERHOOD) which is about lawschool hazing was just invited to the Paris co production village next month. So I’m going back to Paris to meet with co producers under NCS agents.”

Filmmaker Pepe Diokno is showing ABOVE THE CLOUDS in August locally. The French Film Festival will be running from June 3 to 9, 2015 at the Greenbelt 3 cinemas in Makati City and at the Bonifacio High Street cinemas in Taguig. Photo by Jude Bautista

It was very much collaboration between Diokno, editors foley artists and other creative and technical people. Being exposed to the hallowed halls of the Louvre or the Cinematheque was also a source of inspiration. The people who worked with according to him are more than happy to share their expertise here in the Philippines.

Diokno added, “The kinds of people we worked with in France, we had someone who worked with Michelle Gondry, we had a guy who just won a French Oscar. Those were the level we were working with. But one ofthem turned to me and said you know what your actor looks like Billy Joe Crawford. Kilala pala nila si Billy Joe Crawford. They’d expressed interest to come here just to travel and do a workshop for free. I intend to hold them up to that promise.”

Alliance Francaise de Manille Dir. Patrick Deyvant invites people to attend CINEMIX a concert w DJ Oof on June 5 at 8pm at Greenbelt 3 Park. The French Film Festival will be running from June 3 to 9, 2015 at the Greenbelt 3 cinemas in Makati City and at the Bonifacio High Street cinemas in Taguig. Photo by Jude Bautista

Cinémix live in Manila

In addition to the film screenings, this year’s festival goes beyond cinema with a concert on June 5, 8:00pm at the Greenbelt 3 Park. French DJ Oof will be fusing electro and cinema with the Cinémix project. Cinémix is a collection of reinterpretations of French soundtracks from the 1960s and 1970s synced to videos flashed onscreen. Entrance is free of charge.

SAINT LAUREN is a riveting biopic on one of the most influential designers of our time. It is one of the many movies you can watch at the French Film Festival 2015 running from June 3 to 9, 2015 at the Greenbelt 3 cinemas in Makati City and at the Bonifacio High Street cinemas in Taguig.

An evening of fashion closes the 20^th French Film Festival

This year’s festival ends with glamour and style with a fashion night hosted by L’Officiel Manila and the SSI Group, Inc. at the Central Square, Bonifacio High Street on June 9. Capturing the essence of France as one of the world’s fashion capitals, guests would be able to enjoy special shopping perks and discounts offered by the various brands housed by Central Square.

Amb Gilles Garachon; The French Film Festival will be running from June 3 to 9, 2015 at the Greenbelt 3 cinemas in Makati City and at the Bonifacio High Street cinemas in Taguig. Photo by Jude Bautista

The 20^th French Film Festival is organized by the Embassy of France to the Philippines, Institut Français, the Alliance française de Manille and Cebu, in cooperation with the Ayala Malls Cinemas, Bonifacio High Street and Greenbelt. This event would have not been possible without the support of the platinum sponsors: SSI Group, Inc., Beauty Bar, Eden Park, Lacoste, L’Occitane, Oliviers & Co., and Vilebrequin; gold sponsors ThinkBIT and Chateau; bronze sponsors Delsey, Kickers, Sledgers, Peugeot, Bizu, Le Cellier, Don Papa, Monin and TWG; and media partners ANC, the Philippine Daily Inquirer, BusinessWorld, High Life, HerWord.com, L’Officiel Manila and Rogue Media, Art Plus Magazine, Expat News, Mellow 94.7 Sounds Good, and Spot.ph.

For more information and for the screening schedule, visit www.frenchfilmfest.com.

La Belle et la bête (Beauty and the Beast) is one of the many movies you can watch at the French Film Festival 2015. It will be running from June 3 to 9, 2015 at the Greenbelt 3 cinemas in Makati City and at the Bonifacio High Street cinemas in Taguig.

2nd from left H.E. French Amb. Gilles Garachon, from right: TV5 Pres. Noel Lorenzana, French Audio Visual Attaché Martin Macalintal, FDCP Chairman Briccio Santos and Ayala Malls Marketing Head Maricris Bernardino. The 19th French Film Fest will run from June 10-15, 2014 at Greenbelt 3 Cinema 1, tickets are at 100 pesos. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Cinema continues to be a significant field of cooperation in between France and the Philippines following the conclusion of a landmark agreement between the two countries. This comes as France nears two decades of bringing the best in French cinema to the Filipino public through the annual French Film Festival.

Last May 19, 2014 at the Cannes Film Festival, Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Chairman Briccio Santos and Centre National du cinema et l’image animee (CNC) Deputy Director Michel Plazanet signed a film cooperation agreement outlining specific areas of collaboration between the agencies.

Stars from left: Mercedes Cabral, Maria Isabel Loopez, Althea Vega, Lance Raymundo and Alma Concepcion. The 19th French Film Fest will run from June 10-15, 2014 at Greenbelt 3 Cinema 1, tickets are at 100 pesos. Photo by Jude Bautista

According to the agreement, France and the Philippines will engage in efforts such as information sharing, reciprocal participation of national cinematographic works in film festivals, capacity building, archiving and anti piracy.

The facilitation of production and co production projects is also a highlight of the agreement. Director Pepe Diokno  is currently in the post production phase of his film ABOVE THE CLOUDS which is co produced by the French media outfit UNLIMITED. It was made possible through the World Cinema Support fund managed by the CNC and Institut Francais under the French Ministry of Culture and Communication and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and international Development.

The agreement will be effective for duration of two years and is renewable.

TV5 Artista Academy alums from left: Akihiro Blanco, Malak So Shdifat, director Brillante Mendoza, Chanel Morales and Mark Neumann. The 19th French Film Fest will run from June 10-15, 2014 at Greenbelt 3 Cinema 1, tickets are at 100 pesos. Photo by Jude Bautista

The signing of this accord comes shortly before the 19^th French Film Festival, which has consistently gathered thousands of viewers yearly to experience a certain French touch in filmmaking that is not easily accessible to the Filipino public.

The 19^th French Film Festival opens on June 9 with the romantic comedy 20 ANS D’ECART (IT BOY). Alice Lantin’s uptight attitude is the only thing preventing her from becoming the next editor in chief of a French fashion magazine. Everything changes when she meets 20-year-old Balthazar who may be the key to her promotion.

Center H.E. French Amb. Gilles Garachon, from left: Kickers Brand Mgr Kristine Balbuena, PRIMER Group of Companies AVP & GM Darwin Bañez, Delsey Brand Mgr Redg De Vera. The 19th French Film Fest will run from June 10-15, 2014 at Greenbelt 3 Cinema 1, tickets are at 100 pesos. Photo by Jude Bautista

This year’s festival features newly released French films that will be screened to the public from June 10-15 at the Greenbelt 3 Cinemas for a minimal price of P100. The line up of films include LA VENUS A LA FORTUNE (VENUS IN FUR), MONE AME PAR TOI GUERIE (ONE OF A KIND), UNE AUTRE VIE (LOVERS), AMOUR ET TURBULENCES (LOVE IS IN THE AIR), LES BEAUX JOURS (BRIGHT DAYS AHEAD), L’ECUME DES JOURS (MOOD INDIGO), QUAI D’ORSAY and SITUATION AMOUREUSE: C’EST COMPLIQUE (RELATIONSHIP STATUS: ITS COMPLICATED).

from left: TV5 Business Development Ian Monsod, TV5 Pres TV5 Pres. Noel Lorenzana and IBC Pres. Lito Ocampo Cruz. The 19th French Film Fest will run from June 10-15, 2014 at Greenbelt 3 Cinema 1, tickets are at 100 pesos. Photo by Jude Bautista

Outstanding Filipino films have gained renown in different international film festivals throughout the years. French viewers have been taking a keen interest in Philippine cinema, with the likes of Brillante Mendoza and Raya Martin becoming household names in France.

from right: TV5 reporter MJ Marfori and ABS CBN reporter Marie Lozano. The 19th French Film Fest will run from June 10-15, 2014 at Greenbelt 3 Cinema 1, tickets are at 100 pesos. Photo by Jude Bautista

The 19^th French Film Festival also pays tribute to Filipino filmmaking on June 12, Independence Day. The fest will screen three masterpieces that have had the honor of being showcased at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival: Lino Brocka’s digitally restored MAYNILA SA KUKO NG LIWANAG, Erik Matti’s OTJ and Lav Diaz’ NORTE HANGGANAN NG KASAYSAYAN.

For screening schedules and film synopses visit Spot.ph or the Embassy of France to the Philippines official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/FrenchEmbassyManila

Tickets for the films will be on sale for a minimal price of P100 at the Greenbelt 3 cinemas.

The 19th French Film Festival is organized by the Embassy of France to the Philippines, the Alliance française de Manille and Institut Français, in partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines, and in cooperation with Greenbelt, Ayala Malls Cinemas, and Ayala Center. The festival was made possible with the support of L’Oréal, Total, Peugeot, Sledgers, Kickers, Delsey, Le Cellier, Perrier, Monin, and Marithé François Girbaud, together with our official media partners: Solar News Channel, TV5, Town & Country Magazine, BusinessWorld, High Life, HerWord.com, Status Magazine, Travelife Magazine, and Spot.ph.

For inquiries, contact the Embassy of France to the Philippines at 0936 919 6097 or send an email to frenchfilmfest@gmail.com.

TV5 Artista Academy alums from left: Mark Neumann and Akihiro Blanco. The 19th French Film Fest will run from June 10-15, 2014 at Greenbelt 3 Cinema 1, tickets are at 100 pesos. Photo by Jude Bautista

2nd from left H.E. French Amb. Gilles Garachon, from left: French AudioVisual Attaché Martin Macalintal, French Press Attache Camille Conde, FDCP Chairman Briccio Santos and Cannes Award winning filmmaker Brillante Mendoza. The 19th French Film Fest will run from June 10-15, 2014 at Greenbelt 3 Cinema 1, tickets are at 100 pesos. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Taiwanese model Jessica Yang has made Manila her home. The 19th French Film Fest will run from June 10-15, 2014 at Greenbelt 3 Cinema 1, tickets are at 100 pesos. Photo by Jude Bautista

from left: FDCP Exec Dir Teddy Granados, Quintin Cu Unjieng, PDI Entertainment reporter Marinel Cruz and Phil. Film Export Service Office Exec Dir. Jose Miguel Dela Rosa. The 19th French Film Fest will run from June 10-15, 2014 at Greenbelt 3 Cinema 1, tickets are at 100 pesos. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Lance Raymundo and Stylist Regina Raymundo. The 19th French Film Fest will run from June 10-15, 2014 at Greenbelt 3 Cinema 1, tickets are at 100 pesos. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Ms. Catherine Deneuve at the Red Carpet Opening Ceremony. Photo provided by FDCP.

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The 38^th Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) had it’s first-ever “Philippines Day” last March 30, 2014. The whole-day event revolved around the Hong Kong premieres of the films “On the Job,” directed by Erik Matti, a sensation at the 2013 Cannes Director’s Fortnight, and “Kimmy Dora: Ang Kiyemeng Prequel,” directed by Chris D. Martinez, the latest chapter in a smashingly successful comedy franchise, as well as the presentation of the short-film “The Heart of the Storm.” Made by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), “The Heart of the Storm” chronicles the recent tragedy of typhoon Haiyan and the devastation that fell upon Tacloban City last November 2013. Following the screening of the short-film, the HKIFF society presented a donation of HKD 25, 000 to the Philippine Red Cross. A portion of ticket sales will be donated for the relief of the typhoon victims.

At the Red Carpet Opening Ceremony, (L to R): HKIFF Executive Director Roger Garcia, Piolo Pascual, Eugene Domingo, Joel Torre, and FDCP Chairman Briccio Santos. Photo provided by FDCP.

Filipinos fill the Grand Theatre at the Philippines Day event of the HKIFF. Photo provided by FDCP.

FDCP Chairman Briccio Santos introduced the short-film to the audience in attendance and broke the news of the upcoming “International Film Commission’s Conference on Climate Change” that the FDCP has organized for June 25 to be held in Manila, Philippines. The hope is that this important conference will induce more awareness among film counterparts and the audiovisual communities and organizations world-wide on the changing patterns of our climate. He concluded, “After all, this is our planet and we are all stakeholders in it. We all need to preserve and protect to insure its well-being. “

FDCP Chairman Briccio Santos and acting Philippine Consul General Ms. Rosanna Villamor-Voogel (1st and 2nd from left, respectively) accept the donation from HKIFF Executive Director Roger Garcia and Ms. Catherine Deneuve (1st and 2nd from right, respectively). Photo provided by FDCP.

Executive Director of the HKIFF Roger Garcia and special guest Ms. Catherine Deneuve presented the donation to Chairman Briccio Santos and Ms. Rosanna Villamor-Voogel, the acting Philippine Consul General. Ms. Catherine Deneuve is a legendary French actress most known for her work in films such as “Le Dernier Métro” and “Indochine.” Ms. Denueve was extended an invitation by Chairman Santos to grace the opening of the “International Film Commission’s Conference on Climate Change.” Also on stage were Filipino stars Piolo Pascual and Joel Torre from “On the Job,” Eugene Domingo from “Kimmy Dora: Ang Kiyemeng Prequel”. Piolo and Eugene came straight from the Asian Film Awards where Eugene was nominated for Best Actress for her work in “Barber’s Tales”.  Mimi Juareza from “Quick Change” was also nominated in the same awards night.

At the Red Carpet Opening Ceremony, (L to R): Piolo Pascual, Eugene Domingo, and Joel Torre. Photo provided by FDCP.

Ms. Catherine Deneuve (center) speaks at the donation ceremony. Photo provided by FDCP.

“The Heart of the Storm” short film is an 8 minutes long documentary aimed at providing viewers with a firsthand account of the recent tragedy. Taken from footage captured by the FDCP team during a trip to the Leyte provinces to witness the aftermath. It shows the daunting task of rebuilding the lives of the victims, which is a storm in itself. The documentary is meant to give the public a glimpse of what lies ahead for a population still rearing from collective shock and many uncertainties.

At the Red Carpet Opening Ceremony, (L to R): Piolo Pascual, HKIFF Executive Director Roger Garcia, Joel Torre, and FDCP Chairman Briccio Santos. Photo provided by FDCP.

Eugene Domingo (3rd from right) and Filipino fans at the Philippines Day event. Photo provided by FDCP.

Executive Director of the HKIFF Roger Garcia conceptualized the “Philippines Day” event hoping to bring focus to Filipino films gaining popularity worldwide. At the same time provide new Filipino films for the numerous Filipinos based in Hong Kong. Filipinos filled up the venue from communities based in Hong Kong. They showed up to the red carpet and premiere screenings to see their home-grown stars, and even stayed post-screening for the special Q&A sessions with the films’ actors.

FDCP Chairman Briccio Santos and Catherine Deneuve at the Red Carpet Ceremony of the Philippines Day. Photo provided by FDCP.

The 38^th Hong Kong International Film Festival takes place from March 24 to April 7 primarily at the Hong Kong Cultural Center and then other nearby venues. The festival’s special section “The Glories of Filipino Cinema” included Jun Robles Lana’s “Barber’s Tales,” Lav Diaz’s “Norte, The End of History,” Elwood Perez’s “Otso,” Eduardo Roy Jr.’s “Quick Change,” and Brillante Mendoza’s “Sapi.”

The Red Carpet at the Philippines Day event of the HKIFF at the Hong Kong Cultural Center. Photo provided by FDCP.

Ruby Ruiz may have been possessed for real as they were shooting the film SAPI, showing in a theater near you on November 6, 2013.

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Neither of them anticipated the horror they were about to witness. Broadcast journalist Dennis Marquez (Dennis Trillo) and Producer Meryll Flores (Meryll Soriano) try to calm down public school teachers Ruby (Ruby Ruiz) and Flor (Flor Salangga). Ruby had been possessed earlier in the week and both Dennis and Meryll promised to blur out her face in the video footage they took. In spite of the promise Ruby’s face was never blurred out and students in school where she teaches find out that she was possessed. Meryll suggests they review the episode together so they can talk about their complaints. Instead, the violent images trigger a reaction from Ruby.

Dennis Marquez (Dennis Trillo) interviews Flor (Flor Salangga). Horror film SAPI is showing in a theater near you on November 6, 2013.

The voices from the screen seemed to grow louder in Ruby’s head, whispering yet deafening. When her face is shown screaming, her whole body writhing, mouth frothing, the albularyo hits her with a broom UMALIS KA! UMALIS KA!  Watching it Ruby is hanging on by a thread. But she still manages to speak. Ruby: Yan diba mukha ko yan? (Cries)

Ruby (Ruby Ruiz) is agitated seeing the episode where she is possessed on screen. Horror film SAPI is showing in a theater near you on November 6, 2013.

She slowly gets up from the conference table turning away not looking at the TV screen. She hides behind a shelf at the end of the conference room. Now Flor, Dennis and Meryll try to convince her to calm down and come out. After a few moments she emerges, eyes burning, she comes out screaming “Niloko niyo ko! Niloko niyo ko!”. In spite of being small and frail, she overturns the conference table. Meryll: “Kelangan natin ng pari tumawag kayo ng pari! (grabs her i-phone) Hello? Tita? Yes si Meryll ‘to. Do you know a priest? Merong sinasapian ngayon! Ngayon na!

Meryll gets mysterious text message. Horror film SAPI is showing in a theater near you on November 6, 2013.

In Brillante Mendoza’s SAPI, a spiritual possession becomes the focal point of a network war, where all forms of evil come out and almost everyone becomes a victim. Opening November 6, 2013 in a theater near you, the spine tingling film is a first in the horror genre for the internationally acclaimed director.

Dante Mendoza is set to receive the Order of Arts & Letters Rank of Chevalier from French Ambassador Gilles Garachon. Horror film SAPI is showing in a theater near you on November 6, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

Before 2013 ends, Dante will be receiving the Order of Arts & Letters Rank of Chevalier from French Ambassador Gilles Garachon. Mendoza joins an exclusive list of previous awardees which include: Napoleon Abueva, Arturo Luz, F Sionil Jose, Juvenal Sanso, Lucrecia Kasilag, Tikoy Aguiluz, Fides Asencio-Cuyugan and Lulu Tan Gan.

Dennis Trillo meets a girl who was possessed in real life as part of his research. Horror film SAPI is showing in a theater near you on November 6, 2013.

Mendoza is known for tackling complex issues in his films, SAPI is no exception. What seems to be coverage of spiritual possession turns into a tug of war between the top (fictional) TV networks: SARIMANOK BROADCAST NETWORK (SBN) and Phil Broadcasting Channel (PBC).

SBN Network bosses Racquel Villavicencio and Jon Achaval goes to the Lobby Lounge of Makati Shang Rila Hotel for a power meeting with their rival network PBC. Horror film SAPI is showing in a theater near you on November 6, 2013.

The film provides an insight into that unspoken world of network execs who control what a huge portion of the Filipino population gets to see on their TV sets. In one scene Racquel Villavicencio and Jon Achaval of SBN reach out to their rival Richard Manabat to negotiate the terms of their conflict. They enter the posh Lobby Lounge of Makati Shang Rila Hotel but the details of the settlement were excluded. Visually, the environs and the circumstances were more important than the contents of the meeting itself.

SBN Network bosses Racquel Villavicencio and Jon Achaval goes to the Lobby Lounge of Makati Shang Rila Hotel for a power meeting with their rival network PBC. Horror film SAPI is showing in a theater near you on November 6, 2013.

Corruption reaches all levels. It’s never just an individual or even a group of individuals but a whole system, a commentary on society as a whole. It was the same with KINATAY, which dealt with corruption in the police force or military. When a cop receives a bribe for a small traffic violation he is only the tip of the iceberg. Corruption in media isn’t just about paying off cameramen or a few reporters. Mendoza is able to show that the whole system breeds corruption. TV networks need audiences/ratings and the desperation to build that audience leads them to achieve it with whatever means necessary.

Dennis Marquez (Dennis Trillo) is assigned to Manila Bay at the height of a typhoon. Horror film SAPI is showing in a theater near you on November 6, 2013.

Baron Valdez (Baron Geisler) is a cameraman playing both sides of the network war. Horror film SAPI is showing in a theater near you on November 6, 2013.

Baron Geisler is cast as Baron Valdez a treacherous cameraman working both sides of the network war. He is reunited with Flor Salangga, the faithful friend of the possession victim. Salangga and Geiseler had worked in the Cinemalaya film JAY (2008) by Francis Xavier Pasion. JAY has a similar theme of media people manipulating the depiction of stories for their own ends.

Direk Brillante shoots on an overpass during heavy rains. Horror film SAPI is showing in a theater near you on November 6, 2013.

Horror in SAPI comes in different forms. Scenes shot in the middle of typhoons give Manileños a chilling reminder of Ondoy and floods ravaging the metro. Nature can be just as terrifying as demons who take possession of human bodies. For a great number of Filipinos SAPI or possession is a part of everyday reality and yet is a subject not dealt with often in the horror genre. It seems too close to home, too real for most of us.

Dante Mendoza shot during the height of not just one but several typhoons. Horror film SAPI is showing in a theater near you on November 6, 2013.

Direk Jim Libiran cast as TV reporter. He really did have an extensive experience in TV5 in real life as news producer before directing TRIBU. Horror film SAPI is showing in a theater near you on November 6, 2013.

Jim Libiran is also cast as a broadcast Journalist who touches on environmental issues of irresponsible waste management. Libiran is the multi awarded director of another Cinemalaya film TRIBU. Libiran in real life worked as a network news producer before delving into film. Roeder Camañag is memorable as Abdalap in action musical Dulaang UP’s Orosman at Zafira. Even though he is not able to show his incredible vocals or dance moves as he did in that musical, he easily inhabits a detail oriented Producer of Jim Libiran.

Roeder Camañag is cast as Jim’s frantic TV producer. Horror film SAPI is showing in a theater near you on November 6, 2013.

Mercedes Cabral is sexy even in an ordinary t-shirt. She has been cast in SERBIS, KINATAY, THY WOMB and now SAPI. She’s also in GMA Network’s KATIPUNAN with Sid Lucero as Andres Bonifacio.

The seductive Mercedes Cabral can truly claim to be Mednoza’s favorite actress having appeared in his most applauded work: THY WOMB, KINATAY, SERBIS and now SAPI. Cabral is also currently cast in GMA Network’s KATIPUNAN with Sid Lucero as Andres Bonifacio.

Mercedes Cabral is sexy even in an ordinary t-shirt. She has been cast in SERBIS, KINATAY, THY WOMB and now SAPI. She’s also in GMA Network’s KATIPUNAN with Sid Lucero as Andres Bonifacio.

Dante Mendoza’s achievement in SAPI is that he redefines what it is that scares us. He knows the most recent and deepest fears of Filipinos. He combines them all, the wrath of nature putting Dennis Trillo in Manila Bay during the height of a typhoon. Animals like boa constrictors become a metaphor for evil. Most of all, he shows us that we are blind from the darkness that resides in each individual. The worst most horrendous of them all is our failure to recognize and admit the potential for evil in each of us.

right: Meryll Soriano shoots with her i-phone 5 in between takes while Baron Geisler and Dennis Trillo receive their blocking instructions. Horror film SAPI is showing in a theater near you on November 6, 2013.

The faithful flock to Quiapo church in Manila in the hopes of gaining powers against the evil one. Horror film SAPI is showing in a theater near you on November 6, 2013.

PEP Editor Jo Dimaculangan with Direk Dante Mendoza. Horror film SAPI is showing in a theater near you on November 6, 2013.

Dennis Marquez (Dennis Trillo) is assigned to Manila Bay at the height of a typhoon. Horror film SAPI is showing in a theater near you on November 6, 2013.

from left: SOLAR UIP people-Ryan Estioco, Sunby Teng, Lulu Chua, Bing De Ramos of BLINK, SAPI director Dante Mendoza, Butch Ibañez of SOLAR UIP, Ivan Lobaton, Janika De Belen and Mark Suntay of BLINK. Horror film SAPI is showing in a theater near you on November 6, 2013.

from left: Amb Gilles Garachon confers the Legion of Honor to FDCP Chairman Briccio Santos last October 24, 2013 at the official French Ambassador’s residence in Makati. Photo by Jude Bautista

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French Amb Gilles Garachon said, “The Legion of Honor is the oldest French Medal, is in fact a knighthood. It means the best of the best friends of France. The creator of this medal is the French Emperor Napoleon in 1802. That is the oldest one and the highest-ranking Medal of Honor. We are very, very proud and happy to give this to Briccio (Santos).”

4th and 5th from left is Amb Gilles Garachon and Chevalier Briccio Santos From left: Peachy Prieto, Joey Tambunting, Bianca Santos, Leon Araneta, Karla Delgado, Kai Yulo and Mme. Isabelle Garachon. Photo was taken last October 24, 2013 at the official French Ambassador’s residence in Makati. Photo by Jude Bautista

The speech was delivered in a ceremony where Amb Garachon conferred the Legion d’honneur (Legion of Honor) to Film Development Council Chairman Briccio Santos. It was held last October 24, 2013 at the French Residence in Makati. Garachon will also confer the Order of Arts & Letters Rank of Chevalier for filmmaker Brillante Mendoza. He is the only Filipino to win Best Director at Cannes for KINATAY (2009). His latest film SAPI starring Dennis Trillo, Meryl Soriano and Baron Geisler will be shown in theaters on November 6, 2013.

from left: Amb Gilles Garachon confers the Legion of Honor to FDCP Chairman Briccio Santos last October 24, 2013 at the official French Ambassador’s residence in Makati. Photo by Jude Bautista

Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Chairman Briccio Santos is credited for the creation of the National Film Archive and the establishment of Cinematheques across the country. Cinematheques are multi purpose cinemas where internationally acclaimed Pinoy indie films can be screened. They also conduct filmmaking seminars by successful directors, writers and industry professionals in cities like Baguio, Iloilo, Davao and Marawi.

2nd from left Amb Gilles Garachon, from left Marixi and Alex Prieto and Rose Agustines. Photo was taken last October 24, 2013 at the official French Ambassador’s residence in Makati. Photo by Jude Bautista

Briccio Santos responded, “Mr. Ambassador thank you for this honor. You have my deepest assurance that I will do my very best to be worthy of the distinction that your country through you have bestowed on me tonight. We will continue to embrace the corridors of culture to enrich this lasting relationship between our two countries.”

from left: French Amb Gilles Garachon, DFA Asst Sec. European Affairs Zeneida Angara-Collinson, Chevalier Briccio Santos and Madame Isabelle Garachon. Photo was taken last October 24, 2013 at the official French Ambassador’s residence in Makati. Photo by Jude Bautista

Filipinos who have previously been given the Legion of Honor include President Corazon Aquino, General Carlos P. Romulo, Teodoro Benigno, Jose De Venecia, Max Soliven and Aurelio “Gigi” Montinola III.

from left: CCP Pres. Raul Suñico, Chevalier Briccio Santos and Bettina Osmeña. Photo was taken last October 24, 2013 at the official French Ambassador’s residence in Makati. Photo by Jude Bautista

Last year’s recipient of the Legion of Honor in the Philippines is Jewelmer Managing Director Jacques Branellec. He has established the Save Palawan Seas Foundation, which aims to protect the marine life, environment and the communities in Palawan. Whenever he goes out of the country he promotes not just the products of Jewelmer but the Philippines as a whole in terms of tourism and investments.

from left: Cinemanila founder Tikoy Aguiluz, IBC Pres. Lito Ocampo Cruz and French Audio Visual Attaché Martin Macalintal. Photo was taken last October 24, 2013 at the official French Ambassador’s residence in Makati. Photo by Jude Bautista

FILM CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM

In 2010, FDCP Chairman Santos established the Film Cultural Exchange Program, which assists countries in exhibiting their films in venues such as the Shang Cineplex of Shangri La Plaza Mall. Foreign films in festivals such as Cine Europa, Eiga Sai, Silent Film Festival, Spring Film Festival, Asian film fest, Taiwan film fest retain the censorship ratings from their native countries. All aforementioned fests can be seen in Shang Plaza. As part of the FCEP they no longer have to go through the MTRCB screening process.

2nd and 3rd from left Amb Gilles Garachon, FDCP Chairman Briccio Santos with from left: Peachy Prieto and Mme Isabelle Garachon. Photo was taken last October 24, 2013 at the official French Ambassador’s residence in Makati. Photo by Jude Bautista

Recent programs have grown beyond the FCEP. Santos explains, “We have the genre film festival in September 2014. We’ll have 400 cinemas for the festival. We’re hoping it will be 2 weeks this time. For the Genre film festival we are now choosing among the hundreds of scripts that was submitted to us. With that we will be choosing about 12.”

from left: Deputy Executive Sec. Teofilo S. Pilando, FDCP Exec Dir Teddy Granados, ON THE JOB Producer Dondon Monteverde and Phil. Film Export Service Office Exec Dir. Jose Miguel Dela Rosa. Photo was taken last October 24, 2013 at the official French Ambassador’s residence in Makati. Photo by Jude Bautista

Santos also had a recent trip to Spain expanding the cultural and film relations with Madre España. These meetings may help deepen our country’s ties with the Latin speaking countries. The Philippines is in the unique position of being the only Asian country that has a strong Latin influence. Santos sees this as a possibility for us to be a hub or gateway for Latin American countries to Asia and vice versa.

and French Press Attaché Camille Conde. Photo was taken last October 24, 2013 at the official French Ambassador’s residence in Makati. Photo by Jude Bautista

According to him even Chabacano is a modern day link to our Latin roots. As evidence of the growing ties countries like Brazil and Argentina will also be invited for the IFX or International Film Expo next year.

Santos explained his optimism, “The Philippines will become the hub, the gateway to all these countries because of our history, strategic location and our proficiency in English. Same thing with France we are close to them in a lot of ways because they are very active in Southeast Asia. What we need to do is open up to make our country prominent center. Remember when you’re going to other countries if you want to have an expo or anything like that, you will have to pay thousands of dollars for your per diem. Here for a thousand dollars kasama na hotel mo, and then everybody speaks English.”

from left: French Cultural Counselor Michel Stanislas Villar, Teddy Boy Locsin, FDCP Chairman Briccio Santos and Tony Roces. Photo was taken last October 24, 2013 at the official French Ambassador’s residence in Makati. Photo by Jude Bautista

Santos also sees a time when the Philippines can be a coordinating film hub for ASEAN, “It will be regional, not bilateral, but multilateral. It will be a win-win for all. We don’t have to compete with each other; we reinforce each other. Film is different these days you have to take it to the next level. There are new platforms. We’re also working to have a national studio here. Its all accelerating you will see these things come to fruition next year.”

from left: Phil Star Columnist Philip Cu-Unjieng, French Cultural Attaché Ariane Tricaud and French Press Attaché Camille Conde. Photo was taken last October 24, 2013 at the official French Ambassador’s residence in Makati. Photo by Jude Bautista

Santos is very proud of the FDCP as a whole. He also mentioned their accounting office has been recognized as one of the year’s Most Outstanding Accounting Offices in the National Government Sector for the second year in a row by the Association of Government Accountants of the Philippines (AGAP).

This marks the second time that the FDCP’s accounting office has been chosen by the Commission on Audit (COA) due to the office’s quality, timeliness, and accuracy in completing financial reports.

4th and 3rd from right: Amb Gilles Garachon, FDCP Chairman Briccio Santos, from left: Quintin Cu-Unjieng, Sarge Lacuesta, FDCP Programmer Nonoy Lauzon, Phil. Film Export Service Office Exec Dir. Jose Miguel Dela Rosa and FDCP Exec. Dir Teddy Granados. Photo was taken last October 24, 2013 at the official French Ambassador’s residence in Makati. Photo by Jude Bautista

from right: Best Actor-Jericho Rosales (ALAGWA), Best Director- Adolf Alix Jr. (KALAYAAN), Best Actress- Nora Aunor (THY WOMB), Best Supporting Actress- Alessandra De Rossi (BAYBAYIN), Best Supporting Actor- Art Acuña (POSAS) Best Cinematographer Sasha Palomares and Whammy Alcazaren (COLOSSAL) and Best Documentary- Benito Bautista (HARANA). Pic was taken during 36th URIAN awards night at the NBC tent last June 18, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

Click on link for full screen pics: http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/2013/06/24/starry-urian-awards-2/

Written and photographed

By Jude Bautista

The 36^th Gawad URIAN awards remains to be one of the most respected and credible awards for Pinoy cinema. It’s not a cliché at all its an honor just to be nominated. Stars from presenters like Richard Gomez, Cherie Gil, Iza Calzado, Xian Lim to nominees like Assunta De Rossi lit up the night. Here’s the complete list of awards and some pictures. Watch out for my full articles on the awardees etc.

Superstar with Manunuri Ng Pelikulang Pilipino- from right: Natl Artist for Literature Bien Lumbera, Rolando Tolentino, Dr. Nick Tiongson, Benilda Santos, Best Actress Nora Aunor (THYWOMB), Tito Valiente, Dr. Mike Rapatan, Mario Hernando and Butch Francisco. Pic was taken during 36th URIAN awards night at the NBC tent last June 18, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

from right: Best Director- Adolf Alix Jr. (KALAYAAN), Silent Film Festival Dir. Teddy Co, Head of Cinema One and Velvet Ronald Arguelles, Best Film awardee Arnel Mardoquio and Perry Dizon both of ANG PAGLALAKBAY NG MGA BITUIN SA GABING MADILIM. Pic was taken during 36th URIAN awards night at the NBC tent last June 18, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

Awards LIST

Best Film

– ANG PAGLALAKBAY NG MGA BITUIN SA GABING MADILIM

by Arnel Mardoquio

5-time Urian Best Actress winner Nora Aunor (THY WOMB) during 36th URIAN awards night at the NBC tent last June 18, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

Best Actress

– Nora Aunor, THY WOMB

Best Actor winner Jericho Rosales (ALAGWA) during 36th URIAN awards night at the NBC tent last June 18, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

Best Actor

– Jericho Rosales, ALAGWA

Best Supporting Actress- Alessandra De Rossi (BAYBAYIN). Pic was taken during 36th URIAN awards night at the NBC tent last June 18, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

Best Supporting Actress

– Alessandra de Rossi, STA NIÑA

Best Supporting Actor- Art Acuña (POSAS). Pic was taken during 36th URIAN awards night at the NBC tent last June 18, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

Best Supporting Actor

– Art Acuña, POSAS

from right: Head of Cinema One and Velvet Ronald Arguelles, Perry Dizon with his director Arnel Mardoquio Best Film (ANG PAGLALAKBAY NG MGA BITUIN SA GABING MADILIM), Best Director winner Adolf Alix Jr. (KALAYAAN) and Cinema One Creative Consultant Sherad Anthony Sanchez. Pic was taken during 36th URIAN awards night at the NBC tent last June 18, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

Best Director

– Adolf Alix Jr, MATER DOLOROSA

Assunta De Rossi hugs her BAYBAYIN director Auraeus Solito. Pic was taken during 36th URIAN awards night at the NBC tent last June 18, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

Best Screenplay

– Mes De Guzman, DIABLO

from left: Best Production Design- Brillante Mendoza (THY WOMB), Best Music-Diwa De Leon (BAYBAYIN), Best Documentary- Benito Bautista (HARANA), Best Cinematography- Whammy Alcazaren, Sasha Palomares (COLOSSAL) and Best Supporting Actor- Art Acuña (POSAS). Pic was taken during 36th URIAN awards night at the NBC tent last June 18, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

Best Cinematography

– Whammy Alcazaren and Sasha Palomares, COLOSSAL

Best Production designer – Brillante Mendoza with 5-time Best Actress Nora Aunor both of THY WOMB. Pic was taken during 36th URIAN awards night at the NBC tent last June 18, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

Best Production Design

– Brillante Mendoza, THY WOMB

Mila Del Sol is given the NATATANGING GAWAD URIAN AWARD. She is flanked by her grandchildren from left: model John David Cruz, BAMBOO guitarist Ira Cruz and Congressman Gus Tambunting. Pic was taken during 36th URIAN awards night at the NBC tent last June 18, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

Natatanging Gawad Urian

– Mila del Sol

Hosts from left: Butch Francisco, Xian Lim, Iza Calzado, Richard Gomes and Cherie Gil. Pic was taken during 36th URIAN awards night at the NBC tent last June 18, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

Aiza Seguerra jams with General Luna during 36th URIAN awards night at the NBC tent last June 18, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

Best Editing

– Aleks Castaneda, KALAYAAN

Best Music

– Diwa de Leon , BAYBAYIN

Best Music winner Diwa De Leon (BAYBAYIN) and wife Leonor Mae De Leon. Pic was taken during 36th URIAN awards night at the NBC tent last June 18, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

from right: Best Production Design-Brillante Mendoza (THY WOMB), Producer Gaye Domingo accepts the Best Screenplay for Mes De Guzman (DIABLO)
, Sunshine Teodoro and Victor Villanueva accepts Best Short- for Remton Zuasola (RITMO), Kits Kintana and Andrew Leavold accept the Best Sound- for Willy Fernandez, Bong Sungcang, Ferdinand Marcos Sabarongis (FLORENTINO HUBALDO). Pic was taken during 36th URIAN awards night at the NBC tent last June 18, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

Best Sound

– Willy Fernandez, Bong Sungcang, Ferdinand Marcos Sabarongis, FLORENTINA HUBALDO

from right: Benito Bautista wins Best Documentary for HARANA
with him are Chona Aguilar, Emma Francisco, Voyage Studios’ Babyruth Villarama-Gutierrez and Chuck Gutierrez. Pic was taken during 36th URIAN awards night at the NBC tent last June 18, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

Best Documentary

– HARANA by Benito Bautista

Best Short Film

– RITMO by Remton Siega Zuasola

Chuck Gutierrez hugs Benito Bautista after winning Best Documentary (HARANA). Pic was taken during 36th URIAN awards night at the NBC tent last June 18, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

from left: Bianca Balbuena, Ian Loreños (ALAGWA), Benito Bautista and Emma Francisco (HARANA) and Marge Lao (ALAGWA). Pic was taken during 36th URIAN awards night at the NBC tent last June 18, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

from left: Adrian Sebastian (BAYBAYIN), Angeli Bayani of ILOILO wc won Best Director at the Cannes Film fest and MPP member Dr. Nick Tiongson. Pic was taken during 36th URIAN awards night at the NBC tent last June 18, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

from left: Head of Cinema One and Velvet Ronald Arguelles, Myke Salomon, Jerald Napoles, Best Supporting Actor nominee Dax Alejandro (BAYBAYIN) and Dr. Mike Rapatan of MPP. Pic was taken during 36th URIAN awards night at the NBC tent last June 18, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

Mae Paner (JUANA C THE MOVIE) during 36th URIAN awards night at the NBC tent last June 18, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

Best Documentary awardees Benito Bautista and Emma Francisco (HARANA). Pic was taken during 36th URIAN awards night at the NBC tent last June 18, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

Last Year’s Best Actor Paolo Avelino (ANG SAYAW NG DALAWANG KALIWANG PAA) and 2007 Best Actress Cherry Pie Picache (FOSTER CHILD) were presenters. Pic was taken during 36th URIAN awards night at the NBC tent last June 18, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

Auraeus Solito (BAYBAYIN) and Annicka Dolonius (ANG NAWAWALA). Pic was taken during 36th URIAN awards night at the NBC tent last June 18, 2013. Photo by Jude Bautista

Mercedes Cabral (Ayesha) is bathed by Nora Aunor (Shaleha) in a cleansing ritual before her wedding. Pic is from Brillante Medoza’s award winning film THY WOMB.

Click on link for full screen pics: 

http://judebgallery.wordpress.com/2013/01/05/seeing-the-colors-of-life-in-thy-womb/

Written by

Jude Thaddeus L. Bautista

Shaleha (Nora Aunor) and two other older women bathe Ayesha (Mercedes Cabral) as part of a cleansing ceremony before her wedding. Outside hundreds of red, orange and yellow banderitas (small flags) flutter in the wind. Soon her groom Nurjay arrives by boat. Clansmen carry him like a sultan to the threshold; one of them is Bangas-An (Bembol Roco). Nurjay makes his vows, in front of Ayesha’s father. He eventually sees his bride and they emerge from the house to dancing and revelry until sundown. Ayesha moves to the traditional Badjao wedding dance with Nurjay sending the guests into fever pitch excitement. Out of nowhere gun shots are fired. Guests flee for safety, disrupting the joyful and peaceful occasion.

Nurjay Sahali (the groom) arrives like a sultan, carried by Bembol Roco (Bangas An) in Brillante Medoza’s award winning film THY WOMB.

The pomp and pageantry of a Badjao wedding featured in Brillante Medoza’s award winning film THY WOMB.

Award winning Brillante Mendoza has an ability of capturing reality and having it intrude in his films. THY WOMB is no exception. He won Best Director at the Metro Manila Film fest Awards night. The film won a total of seven awards: Best Actress (Nora Aunor), Best Director (Brillante Mendoza), Best Original Story (Henry Burgos), Best Cinematography (Odyssey Flores), Best Production Design (Brillante Mendoza) and the special prizes Gat Puno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award and Most Gender-Sensitive Film.

A fan takes a picture with the display of her favorite stars in Venice film fest: from left Lovi Poe, Nora Aunor, Brillante Mendoza and Mercedes Cabral. There was an exhibit of photos from THY WOMB at SM North Edsa.

Mendoza is not really making any grand statements or pontificating, he just captures life the way it is. That’s his trademark style coming from the ‘found story’ philosophy of his mentor Armando Lao who was a creative consultant for this film as well. Lao also had his own film AD IGNORANTIAM with Ina Feleo at the New Wave section also in the MMFF which won the Special Jury Prize. They share the school of thought where stories come from real life incidents with little or no dramatic license, emphasizing gritty realism.

Wedding feast in Brillante Medoza’s award winning film THY WOMB.

In spite of that THY WOMB has to be the most visually arresting among Mendoza’s work. The pomp and pageantry of a Muslim / Badjao wedding is very colorful and interesting. There are a lot of ceremonies from the engagement to the wedding itself. In one of them, the family of the groom prays for a successful married life by the shores releasing replicas of their vinta or boat.

There are many rituals before a wedding in Brillante Medoza’s award winning film THY WOMB.

Cinematography by Odyssey Flores on the many sights in Tawi-tawi may encourage tourism.

The location itself provides a picturesque subject. It’s not just a background of the story but is part of it. The seascapes, the Muslim architecture and wildlife are very enticing reasons for tourism. The placid butanding or whale shark swims by the boat of Shaleha and Bangas-An as they travel from one island to the other. Shaleha witnesses a pawikan (sea turtle) laying eggs on the sandy beach.

A placid whale shark (Butanding) swims by Nora Aunor (Shahela) and Bembol Roco’s (Bangas An) boat in Brillante Medoza’s award winning film THY WOMB.

Cinematography by Odyssey Flores on the many sights in Tawi-tawi may encourage tourism.

Nora Aunor’s performance is made real as she completes a lot of the day-to-day tasks very naturally. She helps her husband Bangas-An even in his work fishing in twilight hours. The two are silhouetted against a golden sunset on calm waters. Tawi-tawi although impoverished is paradise like having untouched natural splendor.

Cinematography by Odyssey Flores on the many sights in Tawi-tawi may encourage tourism.

THY WOMB doesn’t have the multimillion-dollar budget for visual effects like LIFE OF PI. That’s why you know the whale shark you see is not computer generated but is an actual whale shark. A real rainbow became a good omen for Shaleha and Bangas-An in their trip to find a new wife. Cinematographer Odyssey Flores not only put to screen the wonders of nature in that very remote area but also successfully pulled off underwater shots. The Best Cinematography award from the MMFF was very well deserved.

Cinematography by Odyssey Flores on the many sights in Tawi-tawi may encourage tourism.

Nora Aunor (Shaleha) becomes the personification of the need to be loved in Brillante Medoza’s award winning film THY WOMB.

Former Senator Rasul recently talked about how THY WOMB touches on the issues of indigenous people like the Badjao. In truth the film deals with a whole gamut of issues from the peace and order situation in Mindanao, religious conflict between Catholics and Muslims, the glaring need for Reproductive Health care to environmental and tourism issues.

From right: first wife Nora Aunor (Shaleha) was also a midwife to Lovi Poe (Mersila), the second wife or Bembol Roco (Bangas An) in Brillante Medoza’s award winning film THY WOMB.

From left: Glenda Kennedy (Fatima), MMFF Best Director Brillante Mendoza and Best Actress Nora Aunor during fan’s day in SM North EDSA. Photo by Jude Bautista

Mendoza never pulled any punches showing the truth of what goes on in the Badjao community.  Early on the military or armed forces are portrayed as insensitive to the people whose lives they intrude on. Shaleha seeks shelter from the rain in a structure only to find broken images and bullet-ridden altar of an abandoned Catholic church.

Bembol Roco’s (Bangas An) clan visits Glenda Kennedy (Fatima) to express their desire for marriage in Brillante Medoza’s award winning film THY WOMB.

Lovi Poe (Mersila) captivates Bembol Roco (Bangas An) the first time he sees her in Brillante Medoza’s award winning film THY WOMB.

Mendoza is not being simplistic about it but these are the places and things that he has seen and observed in real life. Being able to write and combine all of those elements was the job of Henry Burgos who was also honored with Best Original story.

Nurjay Sahali (the groom) sees Mercedes Cabral (Ayesha) for the first time in her bridal gown in Brillante Medoza’s award winning film THY WOMB.

Mercedes Cabral (Ayesha) during fan’s day in SM North EDSA. Photo by Jude Bautista

Mercedes Cabral as Ayesha has a close relationship with Shaleha. Ayesha’s elaborate wedding becomes a counterpoint to the Shaleha’s inability to have children with Bangas An. Cabral’s bronze skin and curves makes her very sexually appealing even wrapped up in conservative Muslim attire. She has that understated style in acting that has made her a favorite of Mendoza having also starred in CAPTIVE, KINATAY and SERVICE.

Lovi Poe has limited screen time, as Mersila but has a very important role. Poe demonstrated her growing acting abilities even with the short appearance. Lovi may not have a longer list of indie films as Cabral but has already won a Cinemalaya Best Actress award for MAYOHAN some years back. 

Lovi Poe (Mersila) captivates Bembol Roco (Bangas An) the first time he sees her in Brillante Medoza’s award winning film THY WOMB.

Left: Nora Aunor (Shahela) weaves banig or sleeping mat in Brillante Medoza’s award winning film THY WOMB.

Audiences will no doubt be moved by the many sacrifices that Shaleha (Nora Aunor) makes for her husband. The banig or woven mat is a metaphor for Shaleha’s own life. She carefully interweaves straws to create magnificent patterns only to have other people use them. The legendary Nora Aunor plays it as real as it gets. Often her character hides her tears preferring to weep privately and silently unlike soap opera queens or on overly dramatic blockbusters that is the norm in MMFF. She makes us believe that it’s not a feminist or indigenous issue, but a human plight. She becomes the personification of every person’s need to be loved.

Left: Nora Aunor (Shahela) receives a gift from Bembol Roco (Bangas An) in Brillante Medoza’s award winning film THY WOMB.

Nora Aunor (Shahela) in floating market in Tawi-tawi. THY WOMB shows the tourism potential of the place.

Nora hug’s loyal admirers during fan’s day in SM North EDSA. Photo by Jude Bautista

Written and photographed

By Jude Bautista

No matter the box office success or lack of it for THY WOMB, Nora Aunor has committed herself to improving the lives of residents in Tawi-tawi and Sitangkay. These are the two main areas that were the shooting locations for the award winning film. For her it’s not just a job. Her role was a loving Badjao wife who had to do it all for her husband. There were scenes when Aunor’s character Shaleha was also a mid-wife. This experience may have driven home the need for medical care in a very remote area to the Badjao who are among the most marginalized and neglected indigenous communities in the Philippines.

Nora Aunor is interviewed by Morly Alinio for TV5. Photo was taken during fan’s day in SM North EDSA. Photo by Jude Bautista 

Rustica Carpio during fan’s day in SM North EDSA. Photo by Jude Bautista

Nora Aunor is currently cast in TV5’s NEVER SAY GOODBYE set to be aired January 2013. The show is topbilled by Cesar Montano, Alice Dixson and Gardo Verzosa. Artista Academy winners Vin Abrenica and Sophie Albert will play Nora’s children along with Edgar Allan Guzman as her eldest son. Nora will have a major concert initially scheduled for May 2013 but will depend on the results of her throat surgery. The much-anticipated film with Coco Martin may have to wait until shooting for NEVER SAY GOODBYE wraps.

From left: MMFF Best Director Brillante Mendoza, Best Actress Nora Aunor, Mercedes Cabral and Executive Producer Melvin M. Mangada. Photo was taken during fan’s day in SM North EDSA. Photo by Jude Bautista

Speaking during fans day she said, “Gusto kong pagsamantalahan ang pagkakataon na tulungan ang gating mga kababayan. Kung na tatandaan niyo ako po ay nangako na babalik sa Tawi-tawi. Dail gusto ko pong makatulong sa pagtayo ng kanilang (health) center hanggang ngayon ay di ko pa na gagawa. Maliban sa aking maaring i-contribute sa pag gawa ng center sa Tawi Tawi at Sitangkay. (I want tot ake this opportunity to help our countrymates. I promised to help them organize and raise funds for their health center but I have yet to actually do it. Apart from my own contribution I want to encourage others to help in constructing the health center in Tawi-tawi and Sitangkay).”

From left: MMFF Best Director Brillante Mendoza and Best Actress Nora Aunor. Photo was taken during fan’s day in SM North EDSA. Photo by Jude Bautista

She found out the needs of the people during production. “Kung managnanak kelangan nila ng bangka para pumunta ng bayan para mapanganak. Yung na isip ko ay magpatayo ng center sa Sitangkay at isang center sa Tawi tawi kung saan kami nagshooting ng matagalan. (Whenever they need to give birth they need to a boat inorder to reach the next town. What I thought of was a health center thatcould help them in Tawi-tawi where we shot the film for some time.)”

She reminded her fans of previous fund raisers where it was started from her own contribution and efforts but said, “Mas maganda kung tayong lahat ay tutulong tulong at may ibibigay sa ating mga kababayan sa Tawi tawi. Siguro yung aking iniisip na pwedeng ipatayo doon para sa mga kababayan natin ay maisakatuparan. Magmemeeting ang lahat ng president ng fans club. Pagkatapos na ng pasko. (It’s better if we all come together and help our countrymates in Tawi-tawi. Maybe my idea will come to fruition. All the leaders of fans club will meet after Christmas).”

Amina Rasul is a peace advocate, environmentalist, bank director and self confessed Noranian. Photo was taken during fan’s day in SM North EDSA. Photo by Jude Bautista

Upon hearing Aunor’s speech Amina Rasul pledged to help build the health centers in Tawi-tawi and Sitangkay, “Nangangako kami sa mga Badjao na kung kelangan niyo ng tulong ay handa kaming tumulong sa Tawi tawi. Maraming maraming salamat. (We promise the Badjao’s that if they need help we are ready to assist them in Tawi-tawi) Amina is part of the Magbasa Kita Foundation started by her mother former Senator Santanina Rasul.

Executive Producer Melvin M. Mangada uses his i-phone 5 to shoot people shooting pics with their cellphones. Photo was taken during fan’s day in SM North EDSA. Photo by Jude Bautista

THY WOMB most recently won seven awards during the MMFF awards night: Best Actress (Nora Aunor), Best Director (Brillante Mendoza), Best Original Story (Henry Burgos), Best Cinematography (Odyssey Flores), Best Production Design (Brillante Mendoza) and the special prizes Gat Puno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award and Most Gender-Sensitive Film.

Nora hug’s loyal admirers during fan’s day in SM North EDSA. Photo by Jude Bautista

International awards include: La Navicella/Venezia Cinema Prize, P. Nazareno Taddei Award (Special Mention) and Bisato d’ Oro Award for Ms. Nora Aunor during the Venice film fest. Mendoza won Best Director and Aunor won Best Actress at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards at Brisbane, Australia. The film was also applauded at the Toronto International Film Festival 2012, the Busan International Film Festival 2012,) and Dubai International Film Festival 2012.