PH film goes to China

CAST of “Patintero” (from left): Nafa Hilario Cruz, Isabel “Len-Len” Frial, William Buenavente and Claude Adrales

Mihk Vergara’s “Patintero: Ang Alamat ni Meng Patalo” will be screened at the 3rd Silk Road International Film Festival in the Quijiang New District, Xi’an, China, from Sept. 19 to 23.

The fest gathers filmmakers from 10 Southeast Asian countries, under the theme: “Developing Films, Diversified Culture.” Silk Road is mounted by the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television of the People’s Republic of China; Shaanxi Bureau of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television; and the Xi’an Municipal People’s Government.

“Patintero” premiered at the QCinema Film Festival last year—winning two trophies, the audience choice and gender sensitivity awards.

Produced by the same team behind “Heneral Luna” (Tuko, Buchi Boy and Artikulo Uno), “Patintero” will open in local cinemas on Oct. 5. The youth film tells the story of a feisty girl, played by Nafa Hilario Cruz, who puts together a gang of underdogs for the barangay’s sports fest.

Vergara will attend the Silk Road fest with young actor Isabel “Lenlen” Frial. Bayani San Diego Jr.