Sinag Maynila goes pop

CARLO Aquino in “Dyamper”-

ON ITS second year, Sinag Maynila is going pop, says its cofounder, internationally acclaimed filmmaker Brillante Ma. Mendoza.

Headlining the five entries are mainstream actors, Mendoza told the Inquirer in an exclusive interview.

Elizabeth Oropesa, Lotlot de Leon, Anita Linda, Mark Herras and Rosanna Roces topbill Adolfo Alix Jr.’s “Mrs.”

Aljur Abrenica and Alvin Anson play hitmen on a road trip to nowhere in Ato Bautista’s “Expressway.” Indie regulars RK Bagatsing and Kiko Matos are also part of the “Expressway” ensemble.

Playing a petty thief, Carlo Aquino leads the cast of Mes de Guzman’s “Dyamper”—which features Kristoffer King, Alchris Galura, Tim Mabalot and Liza Diño in supporting roles.

Elizabeth Oropesa in “Mrs

Mara Lopez and Oliver Aquino, who portray an embattled couple, share the screen with veterans Lui Quiambao-Manansala and Menggie Cobarrubias in Jay Altarejos’ “TPO.”

GMA 7’s Janine Gutierrez and ABS-CBN’s Enchong Dee headline Gino M. Santos’ “Lila”—which also features Miggs Cuaderno and Sherry Lara.

Casting popular actors in indie films is but one way to create awareness among local moviegoers, Mendoza said.

“We cannot do it overnight,” he remarked. “The task of building an audience for indie films is a continuous, never-ending process.”

Toward this end, organizers made it a point to choose a variety of genres as well, he noted.

Apart from the usual socially relevant dramatic films, Sinag Maynila will also offer a sampling of action and suspense/horror films, he said.

“We want to attract a wider audience—specifically, students and other young people,” he explained.

ANINE Gutierrez and Enchong Dee in “Lila”

This year, there are two action flicks: De Guzman’s “Dyamper” and Bautista’s “Expressway.”

Social realist drama is offered by two entries: Alix’s “Mrs.” (on desaparecidos) and Altarejos “TPO” (on domestic abuse).

The last entry is a suspense-horror flick, Santos’ “Lila.”

Each entry received a grant of P2 million. Sinag Maynila will hold screenings at SM North Edsa and SM Mall of Asia from April 21 to 26.

“The screenings, however, will not end with the festival,” Mendoza vowed.

Organizers plan to tour the films all over the county, in different SM malls—like the inaugural year’s films. “We went to Pampanga, Isabela and other provinces last year,” Mendoza recalled.

They also looked beyond local shores. Cofounder Wilson Tieng of Solar Entertainment related that last year’s entries were shown in at least 37 local and international film festivals.

Lawrence Fajardo’s “Imbisibol” was shown in Japan and won in France, while Zig Dulay’s “Bambanti” brought home awards from Belgium and India.

With five other digital fests in the country (Cinemalaya, CineFilipino, Cinema One, QCinema and MMFF New Wave), is there room for one more?

“We need more festivals pa nga. We have to continuously produce alternative films,” Mendoza noted. “Indie films have already gained the respect and attention of viewers here and abroad. The next step is to sustain a stable core audience. We are focusing on distribution.

“Apart from securing theatrical release abroad, we’re also looking into other platforms like video on demand and mobile phones.”