2009 FILMS

“Jose Rizal”

Directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya
Cast: Cesar Montano, Joel Torre, Jaime Fabregas, Gloria Diaz, Gardo Versoza, Pen Medina, Mickey Ferriols, Monique Wilson, Chin-Chin Gutierrez, Pen Medina, Gina Alajar
Synopsis: A three-hour epic on the life and struggles of poet and patriot Jose Rizal, the national hero and martyr of the Philippines, this film was commissioned to mark the 1998 centennial of the country’s independence from Spanish colonial rule. Rizal was a remarkably educated man; not only was he a writer, but he was also a painter, sculptor, doctor and surgeon, teacher, natural scientist, economist, engineer and theologian. He was an excellent fencer and marksman; he studied at colleges in Europe, America and Asia, traveled to many different nations and could speak twenty-two languages. He was a champion of his country’s independence, a Filipino Gandhi who faced the firing squad at the age of thirty-five for inciting rebellion. He was the instigator of the Philippine revolution of 1896-98, the first national uprising against a colonial power in Asia. He also wrote two books, Noli me tangere and El Filibusterismo, which sought to increase his people’s political awareness. Director Marilou Diaz-Abaya deliberately avoids a historical lesson. The Rizal of her story Cesar Montano is thinking back on his life and writings from his prison cell in the fortress of Santiago; the characters that appear are a blend of the real people, friends and enemies as well as those he created in his books. The script is solid, with a contribution by Diaz-Abaya’s long time collaborator, Ricky Lee; the soft tones of the cinematography helps to create an atmosphere of magic appropriate to the story of a legendary hero, and the acting by Cesar Montano is quite remarkable. Jose Rizal was screened as part of the Panorama section of the 49th International Berlin Film Festival, 1999. ~ Gönül Dönmez-Colin, All Movie Guide
Drama – Historical
Tagalog – English Subtitles (Philippines, 1999, 178 min)
GMA Films

“Dekada 70″

Directed by Chito S. Rono
Cast: Vilma Santos, Christopher De Leon, Piolo Pascual, Marvin Augustin, Carlos Agassi, Danilo Barrios, John W Sace, Kris Aquino
Synopsis: An adaptation of Lualhati Bautista’s prize-winning novel. Dekada 70 chronicles a middle-class Filipino family who, over the space of a decade, become aware of the political policies that have ultimately led to repression and a state of martial law. Vilma Santos stars as Amanda, who realizes the implications of living within a dictatorship after sorting out the contradictory reactions of her husband and five sons. Julian (Christopher De Leon), her husband, supports his eldest son’s efforts to rail against the government while simultaneously refusing to condone Amanda’s wish to find a job. Her third son (Marvin Augustin) writes illegal political exposes. The fourth (Danilo Barrios) fell victim to a corrupt police department, and her youngest (John W. Sace) is still a boy. ~ Tracie Cooper, All Movie Guide
Drama
Tagalog – English Subtitles (Philippines, 2002, 85 min)
Star Cinema  

“Hilot” (Midwife)

Directed by Neal Tan
Cast: Glenda Garcia, Ma.Isabel Lopez, Beejay Morales, Ricardo Cepeda, Pocholo Montes, Mike Lloren, Jenn Umali, Melissa Mendez, Empress Schuck
Synopsis: The movie is about the gruesome fate of the people who have gone through abortion and the gruelling effects and remorse it brought about in the lives of the people involved.  The story centers on Amparo (Melissa Mendez), a’hilot’ (traditional midwife) who executes induced abortion among women with unwanted pregnancies.  Her fifteen year old  daughter, Carmen (Empress Schuck) serves as her aide. 
Drama
Tagalog –  English Subtitles (Philippines, 2009, 90 min)

“Himala”

“Himala”  (“Miracle”) is an award-winning Filipino film directed by the late Philippine National Artist Ishmael Bernal. The film’s screenwriter and cinematographer were multi-award winner Ricky Lee and Sergio Lobo, respectively. Based on a 1967 incident and news report, Himala was filmed entirely in the most arid Philippine tourist spots in Ilocos Norte, in just three weeks. The movie premiered at the 1982 Metro Manila Film Festival, and in 1983, it became the first – and so far the only – Filipino film to be included in the “Competition Section” of the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival. Since then, Himala has been exhibited in a number of film festivals around the world.

On November 11, 2008, Himala won the 2008 CNN Asia Pacific Screen Awards Viewers Choice Award for Best Asia-Pacific Film of all Time (voted for by thousands of film fans around the world, at www.cnn.com/thescreeningroom). The CNN online voters hailed it as the “greatest Filipino film.”
Tagalog – English Subtitles (Philippines, 1982, 120 min)

“Ang Manghuhula” (The Fortune Teller)

Directed by Paolo Herras
Cast: Eula Valdes, Glaiza De Castro, Emilio Garcia, Chanda Romero, Pinky Amador and Bella Flores, Angel Aquino, Epy Quizon, Mark Gil, Meryll Soriano, John Lapus, Candy Pangilinan, Tuesday Vargas, Harlene Bautista, Mel Martinez
Synopsis: Messina, an outcast and failed fortuneteller returns to her hometown to save her daughter Claire from a syndicate that aims to exploit her gift of fortune telling. When Messina returns, she finds her daughter caught in debt and the squabble of a petty syndicate running a band of fortunetellers for the unwary, desperate answer-seekers. For years, their hometown has been grooming one great fortuneteller just as they had hailed Dorothea as the town’s leader. Dorothea is the grandmother of Claire who appears in her dreams. A helpful fortuneteller named Rachel teaches Messina that the only way to save her daughter is to embrace a gift she has vowed to give up, the ability to see the future no matter how bleak and inescapable.
Tagalog – English Subtitles (Philippines, 2009, 79 min)

“Lilip” (Sew)
Directed by Freddie Rex Yadao
Narrative – Tagalog – English Subtitles (Philippines, 9 min)

“Manikarya” (String Puppet)
Directed by Jhulian Guiterrez
Animation – English Subtitles (Philippines, 12 min)

“Ang Pasko Ni Intoy” (The Christmas of Intoy)
Directed by Charena Escala & Emerald Hidalgo
Documentary - English Subtitles (Philippines, 30 min)

“Agpansula”
Directed by Jobelle Catequista
Drama – Tagalog – English Subtitles (Philippines 26 min) 

“Slideshow”
Directed by Paula Victoria Acuin
Experimental – No Dialogue (Some Nudity, Philippines, 19 min)

“Santakrusan”
Directed by Jumar Yap 
Featuring – Mercedes Cabral
Narrative – Tagalog – English Subtitles (Philippines, 21 min) 

West Coast Premiere

“Brown Soup Thing“

Written, Directed, and Produced by Edward J. Mallillin
Directors of Photography: Satori Snow, Yuri Sadovnikov
Sound: Shawn Adamski
Editor: Gerard Nartates (aka Geg)
Music: Vincent Reyes, Jenilee Reyes, Tom Ciapponi
Executive Producer: Edward J. Mallillin

Cast: Kimee J. Balmilero, Jenilee A. Reyes, Cheryl Noe, Joey Guila, Rona Par, Sari Arambulo, Earl Baylon, and Wil Olandria
Synopsis: Follows the story of a young girl working on an elementary school video project about “What it means to be Filipino.” Lita’s extended family includes a who’s who of notable Filipinos including boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, YouTube star Christine Gambito, and actors Abe Pagtama, Bernardo Bernardo, and many others all make cameos as Lita’s interview subjects in her “movie within a movie.” But the real action unfolds behind the scenes in the grownup world, where Lita’s adult siblings pursue their own individuality, while struggling with issues of cultural identity and family.
Comedy – Drama
English (US, 2008, 105 min)

“Eskapo” (Escape)

POSTER NOT AVAILABLE

Directed by Chito S. Rono
Cast: Dina Bonnevie, Richard Gomez, Christopher De Leon, Maila Gumila, Joel Torre
Synopsis: Set during the terrifying reign of Filipino despot, Marcos, two upper caste but very different strangers team up to try and survive the physical and mental torture they undergo after they are suddenly jailed. Geny is the conservative businessman while Serge is more sensitive and outgoing. Both of the young men’s parents give all of their money, but the government refuses to free them. Even a mutual hunger strike fails to move their jailers. In desperation, Geny and Serge begin plotting their escape. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
Drama – Historical
Tagalog – English Subtitles (Philippines, 1995, 114 min)
Star Cinema

Directed by Mark Shandii Bacolod
Cast: Lance Raymundo, Andrea del Rosario, Maria Isabel Lopez, Snooky Serna, Von Arroyo, Jon Hall, Fonz Deza, Jao Mapo, Justin de Leon, Mosang Marife Necesito, Nonoy Froilan, RJ Revilla, RR Herrera Roeder Camanang, Martin dela Paz, Cherry Alba, Ana Abad-Santos, IC Mendoza
Screenplay by Charlotte Dianco
Synopsis: FIDEL is a story about a Filipino worker abroad, on trial for the murder of his employer. His profile doesn’t fit that of a killer, and yet, he admitted the crime.
Drama
Tagalog – English Subtitles (Philippines, 2009, 90 min) 

Directed by Jim Libiran.
Cast: Havy Bagatsing; Karl Eigger Balingit; Honey Concepcion; Mhalouh Crisologo; Charena Escala; Jamir Garcia; Rey Javier Guevarra; Apollo Labastida; Gilbert Lozano; Shielbert Manuel; Ira Marasigan; Albert Moreno; Resty Perez; O.G. Sacred
Synopsis: Taking place at present times, Tribu tells the story of street life in the slums of Tondo, Manila, a lower class suburb in the northwest portions of the city. The film is told from the viewpoint of a young ten-year old boy named Ebet. We follow Ebet as he witnesses the deadly lives of teen age gang members in Tondo and the events that lead to their explosive confrontation. Ebet watches as three youths being initiated into the Thugz Angels gang. In the opening sequence of the film, the ten-year old boy explains the genesis of the tribes. They exist, he says because the children are poor. They are poor because they or their parents lack jobs. In Tondo, the boy says, you have to be tough or you die. Even a child needs to be tough. But in the hell that is Tondo, he says, even a child can be God.
Drama
Tagalog – English Subtitles (Philippines, 2007, 95 min)

Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival 2007 - Won: Best Actor, Best Film – Full Length Feature, Best Sound
Cinemanila International Film Festival - Won: Best Ensemble Cast
Paris Cinema Festival - Won: Young Filmmaker Award
Gawad Urian Awards – (Nominee) Gawad Urian Award

FIFFLA 2009 Short Program II
International Edition

“The Journey: A Story of Urban Poverty”
Directed by Justin de Leon
Narrative - English (US, 12 min) 

“Singkong Butas”  (5 Cent Hole)
Directed by Herman Claraval
University of the Philippines Film Institute
Cast:  Jake Lapid, Josie Tagle, Bernie Mercurio, Isaac Bahian, Arnold Corral, Lameck Bahian
Drama – No Dialogue (Philippines, 4 min)

“Multo” (Ghost)
Directed by Paul P. Puzon
Cast: Carina Afable, Karen Aguas, Michael Kuya
Drama – English (US, 11 min) 

“Anomi”
Directed by Renei Patricia Dimla 
University of the Philippines Film Institute 
Animation -  No Dialogue (Philippines, 7 min)

“Imelda and Gunter”
Directed by Ramon Sanchez 
Cast: Liza Dino, Ramon Sanchez, Dana Wing Lau, Michael Miranda, Janice Villarosa
Comedy – English (US, 24 min)

“Puting Ilaw” (White Light)
Directed by Melissa Angela Penafiel
University of the Philippines Film Institute
Cast: Irma Adlawan, John Arcilla, Linda Villalobos, Carl Paolo Reyles
Drama – Tagalog – English Subtitles (Philippines, 11 min)

“Children of Manila”
Directed by Alessandro Molatore 
Children’s Relief Fund
Documentary - English (Ireland, 15 min) 

“Irene Fucking Jordan”
Directed by Paolo Herras 
Cast: Meryll Soriano, Joem Bascon, Jaclyn Jose   
Drama – No Dialogue (Philippines, 9 min) 

“Children of the Sun”
Deep Foundation
Music Video – English (US, 8 min) 

“Tambolista” (Drumbeat)

Directed by Adolfo B. Alix Jr.
Executive Producer: Ronald Arguelles
Line Producer: Arleen C. Cuevas
Associate Line Producer: Maxie Evangelista III
Director of Photography: Albert Banzon
Music: Khavn dela Cruz
Editing: Aleks Castaneda
Sound: Mark Locsin, Herbert Relagio
Sound Design: Ditoy Aguila, Junel Valencia
Production Design: Jeck Cogama
Written by: Ave Regina Tayag
Cast: Jiro Manio, Sid Lucero, Coco Martin, Ricky Davao, Susan Africa, Fonz Deza, Simon Ibarra, Mosang and Anita Linda

Synopsis: Ever wanted something so bad that you would do anything just to get it? ”Tambolista” focuses on one boy’s simple dream of owning his very own drum set. Set in the different slums of Manila, the film is taken from the point of view of 14-year-old Jason. A boy on the verge of manhood whose biggest passion is playing drums. When his older brother Billy (Coco Martin) impregnates his girlfriend, the brothers and their streetsmart friend Pablo (Sid Lucero) try to come up with any means possible to get money to pay for the abortion. These three men show how the struggle to survive amidst their lives of poverty can also be a struggle for keeping their humanity in this intimate portrait of two brothers living in deprivation. The movie also shows how life is similar to the beat of drums, both having high and low points.
Drama
Tagalog – English Subtitles (Philippines, 2007, 90 min)

Official Selection – Sturm und Drang (Cinema of the Future), 37^th Rotterdam International Film Festival: Official Selection, Munich International Film Festival 2008; Official Selection, Jecheon International Film and Music Festival; Official Selection, Nuevos Autores de Cine Asiatico – Madrid 2008; In Competition- 10^th Barcelona Asian Film Festival; ASEAN Section, Bangkok  International  Film  Festival 2008; In Competition, Asiaticafilmmediale  Roma 2008, Opening Film, Philippine International Film Festival in Geneva 2009 Best Actor – Cinema One Originals Film Festival 2007; Pinakamahusay na Editing - URIAN Awards 2008; Pinakamahusay na Direktor (Nominee), Pinamahusay na Pangunahing Aktor (Nominee), Pinakamahusay na Pangalawang Aktres (Nominee), Pinakamahusay na Pangalawang Aktor (Nominee), Pinakamahusay na Musika, (Nominee), Pinakamahusay na Sinematograpiya (Nominee), Pinakamahusay na Tunog (Nominee) - URIAN Awards 2008 ; Digital Movie of the Year (Nominee), Digital Movie Director of the Year (Nominee), Supporting Movie Actor of the Year (Nominee), Digital Screenplay of the Year (Nominee), Digital Movie Editor of the Year (Nominee) – Star Awards for Movies 2008