Cinemalaya 2011

All posts tagged Cinemalaya 2011

Here are the winners of Cinemalaya 2011!

Posted by Norman on July 25, 2011
Posted in: 2 Shout-out-Looks, 6 The Movie Corner. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Last night, as part of the closing ceremony of Cinemalaya 2011, awards were given in three different sections: New Breed, Directors’ Showcase and Short Features.

“Ang Babae sa Septic Tank“, “Bisperas“, “Nino” and “Walang Katapusang Kuwarto” led the honor roll as follows:

Five (5) Balanghay Trophies:
Best Film (New Breed)
Best Director (New Breed) – Marlon Rivera
Best Actress (New Breed) – Eugene Domingo
Best Screenplay (New Breed) – Chris Martinez
Audience Choice Award (New Breed)

Five (5) Balanghay Trophies
Best Film (Directors’ Showcase)
Best Actress (Directors’ Showcase) – Raquel Villavicencio
Best Supporting Actress (Directors’ Showcase) – Julia Clarete
Best Cinematography (Directors’ Showcase) – Roberto Yniguez
Best Production Design (Directors’ Showcase) – Rodrigo Riccio

Four (4) Balanghay Trophies
Special Jury Prize (New Breed)
Best Supporting Actress (New Breed) – Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino
Best Supporting Actor (New Breed) – Art Acuna
Best Production Design (New Breed) – Laida Lim

Three (3) Balanghay Trophies
Best Film (Short Features)
Best Screenplay (Short Features) – Emerson Reyes
Audience Choice Awards (Short Features)

Three (3) Balanghay Trophies
Best Director (Directors’ Showcase) – Aureaus Solito
Best Original Music Score (Directors’ Showcase) – Diwa de Leon
Best Sound (Directors’ Showcase) – Diwa de Leon

Two (2) Balanghay Trophies
Best Supporting Actor (Directors’ Showcase) – Jim Pebangco
Audience Choice Award (Directors’ Showcase)

Two (2) Balanghay Trophies
Best Actor (Directors’ Showcase) – Bembol Roco
Best Editing (Directors’ Showcase) – Benjamin Tolentino

Two (2) Balanghay Trophies
Best Cinematography (New Breed) – Arvin Viola
Best Original Music Score (New Breed) – Christine Muyco and Gemma Pamintuan

Two (2) Balanghay Trophies
Best Editing (New Breed) – Lawrence Fajardo
Best Sound (New Breed) – Mike Idioma

One (1) Balanghay Trophy
Best Actor (New Breed) – Edgar Allan Guzman

One (1) Balanghay Trophy
Best Director (Short Features) – Rommel Tolentino

A scene from "Hanapbuhay" (Source of Living)

One (1) Balanghay Trophy
Special Jury Prize (Short Features)

One (1) Award
NETPAC (Network of Promotion for Asian Cinema) Best Film

Note: No awards were given to the Special Jury Prize and Best Screenplay of the Directors’ Showcase category.

Congratulations to all the winners! Now which among these films will be invited to film festivals abroad? I hope that a majority of them will. 😉

P.S. For Cinemalaya 2012, the Gateway Cinemas (in Araneta Center) will be included among the screening venues of the films. That’s good news!

Cinemalaya movie watch: “Rakenrol”

Posted by Norman on July 20, 2011
Posted in: 6 The Movie Corner. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , .


courtesy of quarkhenares

The closing film of Cinemalaya 2011 is Quark Henares’ “Rakenrol“.

Before Quark goes on a long sabbatical from filmmaking to pursue higher studies in the US, he offers this movie that deals on the Filipinos’ love for music, love for life, and love for love.

At first glance, it looks like something tailor made for the rock-and-roll persona in all of us. But I think it actually goes beyond that and delves deeper on the angst-ridden airwaves running through the minds of the youth (35 years old and below) while experiencing the joy & pain of pure love.

“Rakenrol” stars Jason Abalos, Glaiza de Castro, Diether Ocampo, Alwyn Uytingco, Ketchup Eusebio and Matet de Leon. Director Quark Henares collaborated on the screenplay with Diego Castillo. It will be screened at the CCP Main Theatre on July 23, 9pm. If you want to watch, good luck with getting a ticket because it might be close to sold out by now.

But I’m sure it will have post-festival limited runs either at Greenbelt or the other multiplexes in the metro.

Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival 2011 opens today

Posted by Norman on July 15, 2011
Posted in: 2 Shout-out-Looks, 6 The Movie Corner. Tagged: , , , , , .


Cinemalaya 2011 TV Commercial
courtesy of voyagestudios

Time to support Filipino Films once more, and hopefully in a big way.

Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival 2011 officially starts todays and runs till the 24th. Screening venues are at the Cultural Center of the Philippines and Greenbelt 3 Cinemas Makati.

If you want to know the specific screening schedules of the films you want to watch, click HERE.

For film enthusiast/students around Quezon City and surrounding areas who may miss the whole thing, you’re in luck because the competing films will also be screened at UP Diliman starting July 26-August 5 with this corresponding schedule.

So what are you waiting for? Buy your tickets now, or better yet, get a festival* or flexi pass**! 😉

*Festival Pass (PHP 2000)
– access to all 15 competing films (ie. 13 full-length films and 2 short features programs)
– access to 8 Netpac films
– souvenir program
– priority lane access to venues

**Flexi Pass (PHP 3000)
– access to all 15 competing films (ie. 13 full-length films and 2 short features programs)
– access to 8 Netpac films
– access to 8 Exhibition films of your choice
– souvenir program
– priority lane access to venues

Cinemalaya movie watch: “Amok” by Lawrence Fajardo

Posted by Norman on July 13, 2011
Posted in: 6 The Movie Corner. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .


courtesy of micheletlogarta

“Amok” is the 9th and last among the New Breed entries in Cinemalaya 2011 that I am featuring. This film, directed by Lawrence Fajardo, looks to be the closest to day-to-day urban reality in terms of feel and visuals. Based on the trailer, I can see how different lives suddenly become interconnected as a result of one incident right in the middle of a busy intersection.

Here’s the plot, courtesy of the festival website:

The bustling and sweltering rugged intersection of Pasay Rotonda serves as the main setting for this story of interconnected fate and destiny. As a raging man’s bullets strays into different directions, the fate of several different characters are sealed and determined. As the temperature rises, the tension escalates and the story unravels with unforgiving immediacy and explodes in the end as each one struggles to survive and escape their inevitable end.

“Amok” has a big cast of some of the more underrated movie, stage and TV performers in the country today. Names such as Mark Gil, Nonie Buencamino, Garry Lim, Efren Reyes Jr., Spanky Manikan, Dido Delapaz, Archi Adamos, Ermie Concepcion, Lui Manansala, Patricia Ismael, Tuxs Rutaquio, John Arceo, Ku Aquino, Roli Inocencio, Acey Aguilar, Amante Pulido, Nico Antonio, Lowell Conales, Ivy Rivero, Xavi Hemady, Wovi Villanueva, Bryan Cabase, Akira Sapla, and Michelle Nollora converge to make an intense movie that is both raw and jarring. Lawrence Fajardo directs from a screenplay by John Bedia.

Watch “Amok” during Cinemalaya 2011 which will officially open on Friday, July 15 and run till the 24th.

Cinemalaya movie watch: The Short Features

Posted by Norman on July 12, 2011
Posted in: 6 The Movie Corner. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Lest I be tagged as promoting the full-length features alone, I am posting the trailers of 9 out of 10 entries in the Short Feature Category of Cinemalaya 2011. Curiously, I could no longer locate the preview of the now-controversial Rafa Santos’ work, Samarito, just so that I can complete the line-up. At any rate, I included the interview clip of his infamous lines about theatre professionals.

All in all, these new directors deserve our attention and patronage because some or all of them may just be the next Pepe Diokno or Brillante Mendoza in the years to come.



courtesy of ticketworldmanila



courtesy of ticketworldmanila



courtesy of ticketworldmanila



courtesy of ticketworldmanila



courtesy of ticketworldmanila



courtesy of unwel



courtesy of akosipuyat

A scene from "Hanapbuhay" (Source of Living) by Henry Frejas



courtesy of culturalcenterphils



courtesy of micheletlogarta



courtesy of seashellvs

Catch all of the above during the full run of Cinemalaya 2011 from July 15-25, 2011. 😉

Cinemalaya movie watch: “Cuchera” (and the word doesn’t mean ‘spoon’)

Posted by Norman on July 11, 2011
Posted in: 6 The Movie Corner. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , .


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.

Cinemalaya movie watch: “Bisperas” (Eve)

Posted by Norman on July 10, 2011
Posted in: 6 The Movie Corner. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , .


courtesy of culturalcenterphils

I’ve always followed Jeffrey Jeturian’s career as a Director (and also as an on-and-off beauty pageant aficionado). From his ‘Pila Balde‘ days to TV stints via ‘Maalaala Mo Kaya? and ‘Rosalka’, I was there watching his works. And now that he is officially part of Cinemalaya 2011‘s Directors’ Showcase category, I’ll definitely find time to watch his latest – “Bisperas” (Eve).

From the festival website, I quoted the movie’s plot details as follows:

The eve of Christmas, the Aguinaldo family’s residence is burglarized, causing its members to identify stolen items and uncover lingering sentiments they have hidden from each other. Amidst the tension brought about by the burglary, the Aguinaldo family realizes how treasured sentiments have been lost, relationships have evolved as they arrive from church at a house in shambles.

The ensemble acting should be a excellent watch and how the characters play up amidst a relatively unusual incident that happens on, of all nights, Christmas eve.

“Bisperas” stars Tirso Cruz III, Raquel Villavicencio, Julia Clarete, Edgar Allan Guzman, Jennifer Sevilla, Aryanna Santiago, Jen Donnaire and Kimmy Maclang. Jeffrey Jeturian directs from the screenplay of Paul Sta. Ana.

Do catch one of its’ screenings during Cinemalaya 2011 which commences July 15, Friday next week.

Cinemalaya movie watch: “Nino” (I wanna watch this one!)

Posted by Norman on July 8, 2011
Posted in: 6 The Movie Corner. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , .


courtesy of ticketworldmanila

I’m always in awe of excellent acting, especially from veteran film and stage performers who effortlessly shine in their meticulous characterization of roles. Such is the case of “Nino” by Director Loy Arcenas (an established Broadway set designer-cum-theatre director). His casting boasts of the ever-regal but acting-reclusive Fides Cuyugan-Asensio who pits acting bravura with equally talented but always accessible (you always see them in GMA-7 teleseryes) Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino, Raquel Villavicencio and Tony Mabesa. You might wonder what the movie is all about. Here’s the sysnopsis, as detailed by the Cinemalaya website…

The once illustrious Lopez-Aranda family has faded. Celia, once the darling of Philippine opera, and Gaspar, a distinguished ex-congressman, lacked the shrewdness to maintain their once elegant status. Saddled with a failed marriage, a vanishing career and mounting debt, Celia sold her share of their house to Gaspar, now bedridden. She managed to stay for free in exchange for being Gaspar’s caregiver. Gaspar loves listening to Celia’s arias. This idyllic arrangement is shattered when he slips into a coma. His daughter, Raquel, comes home from the US, determined to sell the house to salvage her own economic woes abroad. This signals Celia’s impending homelessness. With only a few heirlooms to sell, she is at her wits’ end. A fervent believer of the Sto. Nino, she hopes for a miracle. She dresses up her grandson, Antony, in Sto. Nino robes to prepare him for the coming fiesta. She insists this will invoke a miracle that will awaken Gaspar and stop Raquel from selling the house. Antony’s father, Mombic, while processing his travel papers to work in Dubai, tries to strike a deal with Raquel in selling the property without his mother Celia’s knowledge. Merced, Mombic’s sister, reluctantly takes on the burden of taking care of Celia and a household sliding to ruin. The family members clash in a confrontation that reveals their weaknesses and their hopeless ideals. Mombic leaves his son to the care of his mother and sister, Merced, the only family member who quietly accepts her fate. As a final ditch to awaken Gaspar, Celia holds a tertulia, inviting her aging opera singer friends. They sing arias, oblivious to the ravages of time, crippled reminders of a glorious past. In the middle of a chorus, Gaspar quietly dies, sealing the fate of his sister and the mansion that once was called Villa Los Reyes Magos. Celia looks out into her once beautiful garden. She sees Antony, still in his Sto. Nino robe, playing in the garden, offering a little illusion of hope to a past that can never be rekindled.

I believe the role of Celia was tailor-made for Fides Cuyugan-Asensio, what with the character’s penchant for opera singing and the like. I also like the representation of the Sto. Nino in child performer Jhiz Deocareza while he is running around the old house with a wood sword and caped/crowned just like the Child Jesus. And in a family drama like this, you can’t help but be engrossed not only with the story, but with how differing personalities are fleshed out on the big screen. ‘Nuff said. I’m definitely queueing for this come middle of this month when Cinemalaya 2011 officially opens. And if you’re a true Pinoy film buff (or even mildly interested in watching some of the best underrated actors and actresses in Philippine cinema), you should too.

“Nino” is part of Cinemalaya’s New Breed section. Kudos in advance to the cast, director and crew because this one might just end up with more than a couple of wins come awards night. 🙂

Cinemalaya movie watch: “Teoriya” (Father’s Way)

Posted by Norman on July 6, 2011
Posted in: 6 The Movie Corner. Tagged: , , , , .


courtesy of voyagestudios

The moment I clicked on the teaser of this movie, I got so interested. “Teoriya” looks sleek and with an adrenaline-pumping music score at that. It’s not exactly playing to an out-of-the-box plot, but Director Zurich Chan has clear ideas on how to get your attention. The camera work is definitely clean and lead star Alfred Vargas seems to be in his best elements playing his character.

Here’s the plot of this Cinemalaya 2011 entry:

Teoriya is a story about loss that centers on the film’s main character, Jimmuel Apostol II. After hearing the news that his father has passed away, Jim goes back home to Zamboanga City after leaving ten years ago in bad terms with his father. He arrives in Zamboanga only to find that his father has already been buried and he doesn’t know where. Jim takes a journey around the Zamboanga peninsula and ultimately into his own self, finding the missing piece of his life.

I’m definitely including “Teoriya” in my short-list of movies to watch during the festival. I just love watching the works of promising new directors, and I hope Zurich Chan doesn’t disappoint with the full stretch.

By the way, this is part of the New Breed (Full Length) section. Aside from Alfred Vargas, it has Sue Prado in the small cast.

Catch “Teoriya during Cinemalaya 2011 starting July 15. Check out the website for screening schedules.

Wanna be a Cinemalaya volunteer?

Posted by Norman on June 30, 2011
Posted in: 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , .

If you want to take part in Cinemalaya 2011, join the festival as a volunteer and get the chance to meet, greet and rub elbows with some of the important people in the local film industry, plus international personalities in the region and beyond.

But here’s the catch….you have only up to 5:00PM today, June 30, to enlist in one of their ushering positions. (Sorry for the late posting!)

For more information, call the Marketing Department at 832-1125 (local 1800) ASAP!