‘Dagsin’ goes to San Francisco

Cast of “Dagsin” (from left): Lotlot de Leon, Tommy Abuel and Sue Prado

Atom Magadia’s “Dagsin” (Gravity) will be screened at The World’s Independent Film Festival (TWIFF) in San Francisco, California, on Sept. 23 and 24.

Topbilled by Tommy Abuel, Lotlot de Leon, Janine Gutierrez, Benjamin Alves and Sue Prado, the indie drama focuses on a man’s longing for a lost love—with World War II and the martial law era as backdrop.

Magadia told the Inquirer: “More than anything, we want our film to be shown in key cities around the world because there are Filipinos and foreigners who want to see it.”

He explained that, after the film’s run at the Madrid International Film Festival last July, he realized that “there’s a wide audience outside the Philippines. Unfortunately, Filipino films rarely get distribution deals abroad.”

Magadia hopes to overcome this challenge by taking the film fest route.

“Festivals are a cheaper alternative. Our film has a universal message.”

Another Filipino film, Bani Logroño’s “Valor: The Legacy of Emmanuel V. de Ocampo,” is also part of the fest. It recounts the exploits of an unsung hero, a guerrilla leader who fought the Japanese Army in Southern Luzon during World War II.

According to its site, TWIFF is “dedicated to recognizing filmmakers from around the world and from all walks of life, as well as celebrating films that raise awareness of global and local issues.”—BAYANI SAN DIEGO JR.