It’s official: The Philippines is in the 68th Cannes International Film Festival with Brillante Ma. Mendoza’s “Taklub,” which top-bills superstar Nora Aunor.
“Taklub” is one of two additional entries from Southeast Asia (the other is Thailand’s “Cemetery of Splendour,” directed by Palme d’Or winner Apichatpong Weerasethakul) in the Un Certain Regard (UCR) section.
Five titles were added to UCR on Thursday: “Taklub,” “Splendour,” José Luis Rugeles Gracia’s “Alias Maria” (Colombia), Yared Zeleke’s “Lamb” (Ethiopia) and Naomi Kawase’s “AN” (Japan), which is the section’s opening film.
In Main Competition, Michel Franco’s “Chronic” (Mexico) and Guillaume Nicloux’s” “Valley of Love” (France) were included as well.
According to the Cannes website, there are 19 films each in the UCR and Competition sections. Isabella Rossellini is UCR jury president. Bayani San Diego Jr.