The local film festival’s new tagline “Sine Lokal, Pang-Internasyonal” lives up to its core as the roster of finalists handpicked by Sinag Maynila CEO and Founder Wilson Tieng and world-renowned and internationally acclaimed film director Brillante Ma Mendoza have been announced. “The upgraded mechanics for this season may have been a risky move, but we are very happy with the outcome,” says Tieng. “We are looking forward to the reception of these films here and of course, internationally.”
With the tremendous success of Sinag Maynila’s debut in March 2015, more talented filmmakers took their chance in getting a nod to be part of the competing roster as it has been closely associated with the opportunity for international recognition. This year’s categories include Full Length, Short Film, and Documentary.
FULL LENGTH
KRISTO by HF Yambao
The story delves into what is supposed to be a victorious day for Boy whose first born; Jemjem, graduated from elementary with honors. Throughout the story, bits and pieces of fighting against oppression of losing his main livelihood as a vendor, of fighting for his winnings in a bet to game fowls, fighting for his honor as a family man, and eventually fighting for his own life against fate will be revealed. “KRISTO” stars Angela Cortez, Julio Diaz, Kristoffer King.
BEYOND THE BLOCK by Ricardo Carranza
Spanning fifty years and charting a path across three continents, “Beyond the block” weaves a thoughtful, personal account of Hip Hop Dance in the Philippines. From the sensational TV program of “Penthouse 7” in the 70s to the cult classic “Dance 10” in the 80s to the struggles of Filipino contingents in today’s biggest international dance competitions, the film lovingly showcases the special place of dance in every Filipino life.
LADYFISH by Jason Orfalas
Discriminated by employers for being a gay misfit, odd Kaye struggles to make ends meet selling her bewildering home-grown beauty soap when her half-transexual best friend Bonn appears with her son for help. To raise their child, Kaye and Bonn must overcome a society where basic rights and a fair chance is out of reach. “LADYFISH” stars JC Santos, Martin Escudero, Brenda Mage, Ruby Ruiz.
BHOY INSTIK by Joel Lamangan
Two small-time felons’ paths crossed, starting a petty mutual disdain for a competitor in their illegal business: BHOY INTSIK and MARLON, the key personalities in the community of the living-dead. “BHOY INTSIK” stars RS Francisco, Ronwaldo Martin, Elora Espano, Jim Pebanco, Tony Mabesa, Jeric Raval.
TU PUG IMATUY (The Right to Kill) by Arbi Barbarona
Set in an indigenous community in the hinterlands in Mindanao, a family goes up to the mountains to grieve and bury its youngest member who died from sickness. But as they make their way back to their village, they were confronted by soldiers and this forced them to turn to their traditional defense called “pangayaw” to drive off the abusive soldiers from their village. “TU PUG IMATUY” stars Malona Sulatan, Jong Monzon, Luis Georlin Banaag III.
Check the full list of finalists via https://sinagmaynila.com/. The 2017 Sinag Maynila Film Festival will be from March 9 to 14, 2017. Get updates on Sinag Maynila via Facebook.com/SinagMaynila, Twitter and Instagram via @sinagmaynila. Subscribe also to the official Sinag Maynila Youtube Account: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmZPI6kPKUCsbim9e_qByNQ. ADVT