CAST of “Patintero” (from left): Nafa Hilario Cruz, Isabel “Len-Len” Frial, William Buenavente and Claude Adrales
WITH his latest movie, “Patintero: Ang Alamat ni Meng Patalo,” filmmaker Mihk Vergara hopes to revive people’s interest in a genre rarely seen anymore these days in local mainstream cinema: youth-oriented films that feature a band of spunky child actors in the lead roles.
“People’s tastes constantly change. And I believe it just so happened that we’re now in the hugot generation… Not that there’s anything wrong with it; each generation followed or follows a trend unique to them,” Vergara told the Inquirer at the press screening of his work, which premiered at last year’s QCinema Film Festival and is set to have its commercial release on Oct. 5.
But as someone who grew up watching movies and television shows such as “Magic Temple,” “Pandakekoks” and “Batang X,” Vergara couldn’t help but miss heart-warming films that celebrate camaraderie, and cultivate a sense of adventure among the youth.
“Many children these days are so into technology and don’t go out as much as we did. I hope this film encourages kids to play outside—or, at the least—learn a bit of history, about how our childhood was spent,” pointed out Vergara, who had just attended the 3rd Silk Road International Film Festival in Xi’an, China, where “Patintero” was screened.
Produced by TBA (Tuko Films, Buchi Boy Entertainment and Artikulo Uno Productions), “Patintero” follows the story of Meng (Nafa Hilario Cruz), a gritty grade schooler who has the unfortunate reputation of letting down his teammates in patintero. And since the other kids wouldn’t let her in their teams for the coming sports fest, she forms a group with other losers—Nicay (Isabel Frial), Shifty (William Buenavente), and Z-Boy (Claude Adreles)—hoping to prove others wrong.
To make it relatable to today’s children, Vergara said he incorporated Japanese animé influences, which are most palpable in the effects and presentation of the patintero scenes. “I believe the animé vibe will bridge the gap since many of us has seen one, from ‘Voltes V’ to the new ones,” he said.
And as “Patintero” gears up to hit the theaters, Vergara is keeping faith that children’s movies still have a place in local cinema. “I find the success of the series ‘Stranger Things’ heartening, because it proves that people are still receptive to shows that feature child actors,” he said. “That’s our goal.”
E-mail apolicarpio@inquirer.com.ph