Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Filipino New Cinema: World Premieres Film Festival Philippines 2015

PRESS RELEASE



8 Films Selected for "Filipino New Cinema" Section of
World Premieres Film Festival Philippines 2015


              Eight films have been selected to vie in the Filipino New Cinema section of the World Premieres Film Festival Philippines (WPFF) 2015, organized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).  The festival will take place from June 24 to July 7, 2015, and will screen at SM Cinemas.

              The section will feature new Filipino films from contemporary filmmakers who are looking to premiere their latest works before an international audience in the Philippines.  The section further highlights the high caliber of films produced and made in the country.

              Festival Awards for this section include film grants of varying amounts as well as awards for Best Picture, 2nd Best Picture, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Musical Score, Best Sound Engineering, Best Production Design, and Best Performances by an Actor, Actress, Supporting Actor, and Supporting Actress.  The awards will be given by an international jury comprised of experts in cinema.

             The eight (8) films selected in the Filipino New Cinema competing section of the WPFF (pioneer batch) are:  “Ang Kubo sa Kawayanan” directed by Alvin Yapan, “Ang Kwento Nating Dalawa” directed by Nestor Abrogena, “Filemon Mamon” directed by Will Fredo, “I Love You. Thank You.” directed by Charliebebs Gohetia, “Maskara” directed by Genesis Nolasco, “Of Sinners and Saints” directed by Ruben Maria Soriquez, “Piring” directed by Carlos Morales, and “Sino Nga Ba Si Pangkoy Ong?” directed by Jonah Lim.

                “Ang Kubo sa Kawayanan” directed by Alvin Yapan, focuses on Michelle (Mercedes Cabral) who lives in her own special world and has special relationship with her house by the bamboo grove.  In Michelle’s world, everything is interconnected, and even the smallest of things has a story to tell.  Also starring in the film are RK Bagatsing and Mark Felix.



                “Ang Kwento Nating Dalawa” directed by Nestor Abrogena, observes the troubled relationship of Sam (Nicco Manalo) and Isa (Emmanuelle Vera) as they prepare to confront a dilemma that has been brewing and slowly growing.  Also starring in the film is Brian Corella.


                “Filemon Mamon” directed by Will Fredo, is the funny story of FIlemon Mamon (Jerome Ignacio), a high school student who desires two things.  First, to win the heart of the girl he loves and second, to be the lead in a musical play about his Philippine hero Andres Bonifacio.  But he has a problem:  his weight.  Also starring Miles Ocampo, Smokey Manaloto, Rayver Cruz, Christian Bautista, Nanette Inventor, Giselle Sanchez, and Joshua Colet.



                “I Love You. Thank You.” directed by Charliebebs Gohetia, is the story of Paul (Joross Gamboa) a restless twenty-something who cannot get his life together, and to make matters worse, falls into a love triangle between Red, his best friend Ivan’s boyfriend, and Tang (Thai actor Ae Pattawan), whom he meets in his travels to Siem Reap.


                “Maskara” directed by Genesis Nolasco, follows the story of Pia Gorospe (Ina Feleo) as she tries to uncover the truth behind the death of a high level executive at the One Wired Nation company, with her quest taking her all the way to the city of Marinduque as it celebrates the Moriones tradition.  Also starring Ping Medina, Lance Raymundo, Lester Llansang, and Boots Anson-Roa.



                “Of Sinners and Saints” directed by Ruben Maria Soriquez, follows the story of Leonardo Rosselini (Ruben Maria Soriquez), a young Italian priest who is assigned to a parish in Payatas and soon descends into the one of the poorest and violent areas in Metro Manila.  Also starring Polo Ravales, Raymond Bagatsing, Chanel Latorre, Richard Quan, and Sue Prado.



                “Piring” (Blindfold) directed by Carlos Morales is about James (Yussef Esteves), a working student who struggles to keep both ends meet as he provides for his troubled family, amidst the corrupted dealings of the city.  Also starring in the film are Krista Miller, Bembol Roco, and Tessie Tomas.



                “Sino Nga Ba Si Pangkoy Ong?” directed by Jonah Lim, focuses on the adventures and misadventures of three close friends -- Armand (Kiko Matos), Julian (Paulo de Vera), and Paolo (Elston Jimenez), as they embark on writing a manuscript under the pseudonym of an established author, in the hopes of making money.  Also starring Hazel Faith dela Cruz, Coleen Perez, and Lara Villar.


GALA PREMIERES for the Filipino New Cinema entries will be attended by directors and cast from June 25-27 at the SM North EDSA Cinemas (two cinemas): 

For June 25, the films “Sino Nga Ba Si Pangkoy Ong?” (5:00 pm) and “Ang Kubo Sa Kawayanan” (7:00 pm) will premiere.  On June 26, it’s “Masakara” (5:00 pm), “Piring” (7:00 pm),  and “I Love You. Thank You.” (8:00 pm). 

June 27 will have “Ang Kwento Nating Dalawa” (5:00 pm), “Filemon Mamon” (7:00 pm), and “Of Sinners and Saints” (8:00 pm).

The directors will introduce their films, the cast and crew, and will take part in a short Q&A after the screening.  Gala Premieres are strictly invitational.
             
            The WPFF, the international film festival on the rise in South East Asia, derives from the simple concept of bringing together a number of countries for a distinct film festival that amplifies diversity in cinema.  Featured films will vie for top awards and have red carpet gala premiere screenings at the country’s stylish cinemas, with film luminaries and celebrities in attendance.

                Besides the “Filipino New Cinema” section, the WPFF also has its Main Competition, Cine Verde section, and Parallel sections (Euroview, ASEAN Skies, Ibero-America, and Eurasian Cinescape).  Overall, the festival will screen 60 to 70 films from around the world.

                Running in tandem with the WPFF is the International Film Exposition (IFX), one of the premier Film Expositions and Film Markets in South East Asia, which will be held from June 26 to 28 at the SMX Convention Center.


                Please visit the website at www.wpff.ph for more details for festival news and updates.

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