DIRECTOR Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil, flanked by her stars Coke Bolipata (left) and Julian Duque.
Classical music wafted inside the mall during the premiere of the indie film “Boses” at SM Megamall last week.
It took five years, but the Cinemalaya movie finally landed a deal for screenings in SM Cinemas. The theatrical run started Wednesday.
Leading the celebration was the film’s director, Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil and her lead stars: violinist Coke Bolipata and his protégé Julian Duque and veteran actor Ricky Davao.
The stars of the GMA 7 soap “Basang Sisiw” also graced the happy occasion—Raymond Bagatsing, Mike Tan, Renz Valerio and Bianca Umali, along with fellow Kapuso Enzo Pineda.
“BOSES” star Ricky Davao gives an interview before the screening.
Said Bagatsing: “It’s beautiful.”
GMA 7 stars Renz Valerio, Bianca Umali and Raymond Bagatsing
Pineda agreed: “I liked its message.”
World Vision country manager Minnie Portales and the Philippine Air Force were staunch supporters as well.
Also seen on the red carpet was Eugenio Villareal, chair of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board.
Villareal pointed out: “I hope locally produced movies will emulate ‘Boses.’”
INDIE fans line up for the acclaimed movie’s theatrical debut at SM Megamall. PHOTOS BY MARK GRISWOLD
BRIAN Llamanzares commends the movie for showing how abused children can recover and forgive.
Brian Llamanzares, son of Sen. Grace Poe-Llamanzares, also watched the film. Said the young Llamanzares: “It’s well-done. I came to see it because one of my mom’s advocacies is child welfare, while mine are education and youth concerns. It tackles a controversial topic, child abuse, but shows how victims can recover and forgive with the help of a mentor.” Bayani San Diego Jr.