‘Filipino Express’ in Tokyo fest

A special section on Pinoy movies, all products of Cinemalaya, is included in the 24th Tokyo International Film Festival which runs from from Oct. 22 to 30.

“Filipino Express” features Sheron Dayoc’s “Halaw,” Jobin Ballesteros’ “Colorum,” Jeffrey Jeturian’s “Bisperas” and Marlon Rivera’s “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank.”

“Bisperas” and “Septic Tank” are also competing in the Winds of Asia-Middle East section.

Country of honor

Meanwhile, six Filipino films were featured in the nine-day 28th Bogota (Colombia) International Film Festival, concluded on Oct. 18. The Philippines was “country of honor” at the fest.

In the lineup were Remton Siega Zuasola’s “Ang Damgo ni Eleuteria,” Alvin Yapan’s “Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa,” Sherad Anthony Sanchez’s “Imburnal,” Albert Martinez’s “Rosario,” Jerrold Tarog’s “Senior Year” and Joel Lamangan’s “Sigwa.”

“Rosario” and “Sayaw” competed for the top prize.

Also, several other Pinoy indies made it to three festivals in Germany, according to programmer Axel Estein.

In September, Quark Henares’ “Rakenrol” was shown at the Asian Hot Shots in Berlin.

The 27th Interfilm Festival, set in Berlin next month, will feature three shorts—Mikhail Red’s “Inosensya” (international competition), Henry Frejas’ “Hanapbuhay” and Nico Hernandez’s “Tatang” (Focus Southeast Asia section).

The 24th Exground Film Festival in Wiesbaden also next month will present Milo Tolentino’s “Niño Bonito” (international on-video competition) and Jade Castro’s “Zombadings 1: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington” (News from Asia).