PH’s Oscar bet opens 1st PDI Indie Bravo! fest

FILIPINO child star Marc Justine Alvarez and Israeli actor Omer Juran
in a scene from “Transit,” which was shot in Israel

Opening movie for the 1st Inquirer Indie Bravo! Film Festival, which starts Monday, is Hannah Espia’s “Transit,” the country’s best foreign language film bet in next year’s Oscars.

The award-winning film was originally set for a single gala screening at 4 p.m., in My Cinema, Greenbelt 3, Makati City, but because of the high demand, another screening will be held at

7 p.m.

“Transit” is the only full-length narrative feature in a lineup that spotlights shorts and documentaries. But because of the film’s docu-like feel, it found a perfect fit in the festival’s advocacy.

Moreover, it hews closely to the event’s theme, “Telling the Filipino Story.” (“Transit” centers on overseas Filipino workers in Israel, whose children face deportation.)

These screenings are the Inquirer’s modest way of supporting the indie film’s Oscar bid.

Paul Soriano, the producer, gave the Inquirer an update on the Oscar campaign:

“We’ve had two official Academy (of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences) screenings thus far. We have two more coming up on Dec. 12 and 13. I’ve heard that some key people in the Academy (foreign language film category) have confirmed their attendance.”

“Transit” found a staunch ally in Dean Devlin, the Filipino-American producer behind such Hollywood blockbusters as “Godzilla” and “Independence Day.”

PRODUCER Paul Soriano at the Tokyo FILMeX, where his film won the student jury award.

Devlin’s Electric Entertainment bought “Transit” for worldwide distribution (except in the Philippines) even before it was chosen as an Oscar entry.

“It’s a big blessing,” Soriano said of Devlin’s involvement. “He is mobilizing all his networks in Hollywood to get the word out on our film. He knows exactly what to do and how to do it.”

Soriano admitted that he is learning a lot from Devlin. “He has been mentoring me about the film business—marketing, selling …  his advice is very valuable to the campaign.”

Devlin’s participation came by chance, Soriano recounted. “I met him through a business partner. I’m currently working with Dean on a new project. One time, via Skype call, I mentioned ‘Transit’ to him.”

Soriano sent a screener shortly after; a few weeks later, “Dean e-mailed back, saying he was deeply moved and impressed by the film.”

Devlin has since been working for the film’s Oscar bid, Soriano said. Devlin is likewise helping secure US representation and is working with US-based publicist Melody Korenbrot to promote the film.

Soriano and Espia will travel to Los Angeles later this month to attend the Palm Springs International Film Festival, where “Transit” is in competition.

“We’ll be there to give our film one final push. There’s a possibility that Jasmine Curtis-Smith (who won best supporting actress at the Cinemalaya for the movie) will join us.”

JASMINE Curtis-Smith, with costar Alvarez. Curtis-Smith may attend the Palm Springs fest.

“Transit” has been to five other international fests so far—Busan (where it won special mention), Hong Kong Asian Film Festival, International Film Festival of India in Goa, Tokyo FILMeX (where it won the student jury award) and the Jerusalem fest (where it was the honorary closing film).

“Hannah and I attended those festivals and all our screenings were sold out,” Soriano recalled. “Most viewers were intrigued by the uniqueness of the story. We are currently negotiating distribution deals (for release) in India and Japan next year.”

The “Transit” journey has led to a slew of realizations. “It costs a lot of money to set up screenings and cocktail parties, to send out screeners and hire a topnotch publicist,” he said.

“I matured so much because of this experience,” Soriano revealed. “It was a big risk on my part. I had emptied my bank account, but it was all worth it. In the end, I lift everything up to God. I will follow his lead. He was the one who brought me here … so I believe he will see me through this experience.”

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