JOROSS Gamboa in “I Love You. Thank You.”
“All the entries are equally good and reflect current cinema, which is committed to artistic excellence and social relevance,” Briccio Santos, chair of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), described the eight films competing in the Filipino New Cinema section of the 2015 World Premieres Film Festival Philippines (WPFFP).
The FDCP is the organizer of the annual festival, which will be held this year from June 24 to July 7 in SM Cinemas. Santos said the finalists “epitomize a new [kind of] cinema that is vibrant, dynamic, interesting and engaging.”
The section will feature films from contemporary filmmakers who want to premiere their latest works before an international audience. The premieres will be held at SM North Edsa.
First on the list is Alvin B. Yapan’s “Ang Kubo sa Kawayanan,” which focuses on a woman (Mercedes Cabral) who lives in her own special world. Its gala premiere is on June 25.
Nestor Abrogena’s “Ang Kwento Nating Dalawa” chronicles the troubled relationship of Sam (Nicco Manalo) and Isa (Emmanuelle Vera). It premieres June 27.
Will Fredo’s “Filemon Mamon” is the story of a teener (Jerome Ignacio) who desires two things: the heart of the girl he loves and the lead role in a play on Andres Bonifacio. Filemon, however, has a problem: he is overweight. The film premieres June 27.
Charliebebs Gohetia’s “I Love You. Thank You” is about Paul (Joross Gamboa), a gay man involved in a complicated love affair with his best friend’s boyfriend and a foreigner (Ae Pattawan), whom he meets in Siem Reap. It premieres June 26.
Moriones quest
Genesis Nolasco’s “Maskara” tells the story of a woman (Ina Feleo) who tries to solve the mysterious death of an executive. Her quest leads her to Marinduque during the annual Moriones festival. It premieres June 26.
Ruben Maria Soriquez’s “Of Sinners and Saints” follows a young Italian priest (Soriquez) who works in Payatas, one of the poorest and most violent areas in the city. Its gala premiere is on June 27.
Carlos Morales’ “Piring” tells the story of James (Yussef Esteves), a working student who struggles to make ends meet. It premieres June 26.
Jonah Lim’s “Sino nga ba si Pangkoy Ong?” focuses on the adventures of friends who attempt to write a novel using the pseudonym of a famous author. It premieres June 25.
“We intend to make the WPFFP a major festival in Southeast Asia.,” Santos said. He envisions the fest as “an international film fest on the rise in South East Asia, an event that amplifies diversity in cinema.”
A total of 80 films from all over the world will be shown. Apart from the Filipino New Cinema section, the WPFFP will feature the Main Competition, Cine Verde and Parallel sections (Euroview, ASEAN Skies, Ibero-America and Eurasian Cinescape).
Coinciding with the WPFFP is the International Film Exposition, which will be held from June 26 to 28 at the SMX Convention Center.