From Facebook page of “Ang Hupa.”
MANILA, Philippines — Filmmaker Lav Diaz’s new feature film “Ang Hupa” will be featured in this year’s prestigious Cannes Film Festival.
The Film Development Council of the Philippines announced Wednesday that “Ang Hupa” or “The Halt” is part of the Director’s Fortnight lineup, a non-competitive film showcase that runs alongside the Cannes film festival.
“Ang Hupa,” co-produced by Spring Films and Sine Olivia Pilipinas and distributed by ARP Selection of France, stars Piolo Pascual, Shaina Magdayao, Joel Lamangan, Pinky Amador, and Hazel Orencio.
It is only one of the three films from Asia to be selected in the prestigious film festival alongside Johnny Ma’s “Huo Zhe Chang Zhe” or “The Live to Sing” and Takashi Miike’s “Hatsukoi” or “First Love.”
FDCP said it will provide support to the selected films which will participate in the Cannes film festival through its International Film Festival Assistance Program (IFFAP).
“Championing Philippine cinema in the international scene is one of our goals, and the participation of our films in the Cannes Film Festival this year makes the celebration of the One Hundred Years of Philippine Cinema even more relevant,” FDCP Chairperson Liza Diño said.
“We are delighted to provide assistance to our filmmakers and give them the chance to further explore opportunities for international film collaborations through this prestigious film festival,” she added.
The 72nd Cannes Film Festival will happen from May 14 to 25, 2019 in Cannes, France, while the Director’s Fortnight will take place from May 15 to 25, 2019. /je