‘Bitter melon’ at Cinema One Originals fest

Bitter Melon

Foreign drama-comedy film “Bitter Melon” will have a special one-time screening at the ongoing Cinema One Originals festival on Saturday, 9:30 p.m. at TriNoma Cinema 4.

Directed by Filipino-American filmmaker H.P. Mendoza, the movie tells the story of a Filipino-American family reunion turning in to darkly humorous crime scene to plot the murder of a violent and abusive family member.

“It was a wacky script that explored the cycle of domestic violence that existed in my family, both in the Philippines and in San Francisco, prompting people to ask me why I felt the need to laugh at these experiences. I’d say: I need to laugh at them. Because if I don’t, I’ll cry,” a statement by Cinema One Originals quoted Mendoza on Friday.

‘Bitter Melon’ is the third feature film from Mendoza following ‘Colma: The Musical’ (2007), and his award-winning directorial effort, ‘I Am a Ghost’ (2014).

Bitter melon made its world premiere in May as a Centerpiece Film at the CAAMFEST36 in San Francisco. It was first introduced in the Cinematografo International Film Festival (CIFF) in November 2017.

The Cinema One Originals festival runs from October 12 to 21 with nine films joining the main competition. The festival also featured short films, restored classics, and guest films. /kga