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courtesy of tcketworldmanila

I was trying to google the word ‘cuchera‘ but always keep on getting ‘cuchara‘ instead. Of course, it’s not the Spanish word for spoon I’m looking for, but just a mere confirmation of my understanding that the former refers to a female driving a horse-drawn carriage or kalesa.

After reading the plot of the movie “Cuchera” from the Cinemalaya website, I think I may be close to how I interpret the title. It’s about the notorious drug mules in the country.

Based on a true story, Cuchera is about Filipino drug mules, drug couriers and their recruiters. It follows the story of Isabel, a veteran drug mule, in her first attempt at running her own drug transshipment operation between Manila and China. Isabel’s character is based on the story of an actual Filipina drug mule who was caught with eight capsules of heroin lodged in her sex organ, 48 in the rectum and 11 in her abdomen after an x-ray was conducted by Chinese authorities. Cuchera presents an accurate depiction of how some Filipinos end up becoming entrenched in the world of illegal drugs. Currently, the Philippines leads all Southeast Asian countries in the number of nationals arrested for drug smuggling charges in China. As of 2009, there are currently 95 Filipinos languishing in various jails in Chinese territories—four of whom are on death row. Violators include minors who enter China with fake passports.

If Laban deftly and accurately handled the subject matter, “Cuchera” could be an engaging movie to watch – eye-opening even – given the execution of three Filipino drug mules in China just last March. My list of movies to watch is getting long by the day, but I don’t mind.

The film is part of Cinemalaya’s New Breed section and will start screening at CCP and Greenbelt between July 15-24. It stars indie favorite Maria Isabel Lopez, supported by Simon Ibarra, CJ Ramos, Paolo Rivero, Isadora (I remember this sexy actress from the 80s), Sue Prado, Jon Neri and Kimmy Fajardo.