Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino

Ang Babaeng Allergic sa Wi-Fi

Directed by Jun Robles Lana; stars Sue Ramirez, Jameson Blake, Markus Paterson, Angellie Nicholle Sanoy

Girl develops an allergy to Wi-Fi, forcing her to move far away and reassess her life. “Imagine being dependent on technology and being told to go offline. It’s a good starting point to tell a story about modern relationships,” Lana quips.

Bakwit Boys

“Bakwit Boys”

Directed by Jason Paul Laxamana; stars Vance Larena, Nikko Natividad, Ryle Santiago, Mackie Empuerto, Devon Seron

Rich gal discovers four brothers who want to make it big in the music biz. Laxamana recalls that he helped Kapampangan musicians pursue their dreams a decade ago. “I know how hard it is for unknown but talented artists to be heard.”

Madilim ang Gabi

“Madilim ang Gabi”

Directed by Adolfo Alix Jr.; stars Gina Alajar, Phillip Salvador, Felix Roco, Anita Linda, Perla Bautista

Couple searches for their son, amid the raging war on drugs. Says Alix: “I was interested in the journey of people … who intend to change but are not given the chance to do so. I want the audience to empathize and feel for these families.”

Pinay Beauty

Edgar Allan Guzman in “Pinay Beauty”

Directed by Jay Abello; stars Chai Fonacier, Edgar Allan Guzman, Nico Antonio, Maxine Medina

Lass yearns to become a desirable “It” girl with fair, smooth skin. “It has always been funny to me why many Filipinos don’t love their dark skin,” Abello notes. “I’ve seen this among family, friends—even strangers and in TV ads.”

Signal Rock

Christian Bables in “Signal Rock”

Directed by Chito Roño; stars Christian Bables, Elora Espano, Daria Ramirez, Francis Mangundayao

Small-town lad helps his sister, who is based in Finland, win a child-custody case. “It’s as fresh as a story can get,” Roño remarks. “It’s also about how those who are left behind on an isolated island deal with extraordinary problems.”

The Day After Valentine’s

Directed by Jason Paul Laxamana; stars Bela Padilla, JC Santos, Regine Tolentino, Rayton Lamay, Jordan Castillo

Despondent guy picks up the pieces of his broken heart with a girl who is dubbed Ms Repairman. Laxamana explains: “I wanted to explore unclear relationships, especially those that arise from shared sadness or darkness.”

Unli Life

Winwyn Marquez in “Unli Life”

Directed by Miko Livelo; stars Vhong Navarro, Winwyn Marquez, Joey Marquez, Ejay Falcon

Podcast DJ gets to travel back in time to rewrite his love story by drinking “wishkey.” Livelo relates that “bagging the chance to work with Vhong and creating comedic situations in various historical periods” sealed the deal for him.

We Will Not Die Tonight

Erich Gonzales in “We Will Not Die Tonight”

Directed by Richard V. Somes; stars Erich Gonzales, Alex Medina, Paolo Paraiso, Max Eigenmann

Stuntwoman gets embroiled in a botched deal that pushes her to the limit. Somes points out that this action flick is about “friendship, survival and courage, and shows a restless yet empowered woman rising above harrowing challenges.”

Special Features

Apart from the eight main tilt movies, award-winning films from various local indie festivals will also be showcased: Khavn dela Cruz’s “Balangiga: Howling Wilderness” (QCinema), Dwein Baltazar’s “Gusto Kita With All My Hypothalamus” (CineFilipino), Tara Illenberger’s “High Tide” (ToFarm), Thop Nazareno’s “Kiko Boksingero,” (Cinemalaya), “Paki” (Cinema One Originals), and “Tu Pug Imatuy” (Sinag Maynila).

Sine Kabataan

Also to be presented are these youth-oriented films: Enalyn Legaspi’s “Alas-Nuebe ng Tanghali,” Christian A. Babista’s “Anonymous Student Vlog,” Bryan Spencer Reyes’ “Bahay-bahayan,” Ardinian Jaq Sanque and Lorys Plaza’s “Bato Bato Pick,” Rodemille Singh’s “Isang Tula Para sa Nawawala,” Len Frago’s “Koleksyong Pamalo,” Daniel Edwin Delgado and Tiara Angelica Nicolas’ “Masaya
Ako,” and Levi Jun Miscala’s “Runner.”