Filipino artists grace Venice fest

LAV Diaz Photo courtesy of Ronald Arguelles

Several Filipino artists, spanning different generations and genres, have been spotted on the Lido, where their films are competing in three sections of the 73rd Venice International Film Festival, ongoing in Italy until Sept. 10.

First to arrive on Monday was the crew of “Ang Babaeng Humayo,” led by director Lav Diaz, producer Ronald Arguelles and actress Hazel Orencio.

CHARO Santos arrives on the Lido. Photo by Baby K. Jimenez

Straight from New York, where “ASAP” held a special show, lead star Charo Santos traveled to the Italian city, to grace the red-carpet premiere of the lone Philippine entry in the fest’s main competition today.

Santos is billeted in one of the top hotels in the city, the same place where other VIPs usually stay.

Pinoy rock legend Pepe Smith will likewise grace the premiere of the Philippine-Malaysian production, Bradley Liew’s “Singing in Graveyards,” which is included in the International Critics’ Week section.

PEPE Smith in Venice Photo courtesy of Bradley Liew

Producer Bianca Balbuena said that “Singing in Graveyards” debuted yesterday and has another screening today, as well.

Team “Pamilya Ordinaryo” completes the Filipino contingent. The film is vying for top honors in the Venice Days tilt. Director Eduardo Roy Jr. told the Inquirer that lead actor Ronwaldo Martin is so thrilled about the trip that he’s been taking selfies and snapshots nonstop.

Roy recounted: “He enjoyed the gondola ride. His brother Coco (Martin) told us to make sure that Ron would get to experience riding the city’s famous boats.”

EDUARDO Roy Jr. (left) and Ronwaldo Martin relish the sights and sounds of Venice. Photo courtesy of Eduardo Roy Jr.

Expected to arrive in time for the Cinemalaya winner’s Venice premiere today is lead actress Hasmine Killip, who is flying in from London with husband Anthony Killip.

Hasmine admitted that she’s “excited to finally watch” the indie drama that won her best actress in the recent Cinemalaya fest.