PH indies in Sundance–and Slamdance

John Arcilla on the red carpet

Filipino artists were spotted on the red carpet of two indie film events in the United States recently.

Actor John Arcilla wrote on Facebook, “Sundance said cheese to us.” Arcilla, with fellow actors Jake Macapagal and JM Rodriguez, attended the premiere of Sean Ellis’ “Metro Manila” at Sundance film festival, held in snowy Park City, Utah, from Jan. 17 to 27.

French distributor Haut et Court picked “Metro Manila” for distribution a few weeks before its Sundance debut.

Among the Hollywood celebs Arcilla spotted on the red carpet were Nicole Kidman, Julianne Moore, James Franco and Bruce Willis. “Our screenings were sold out and well-applauded.”

Meanwhile, over at the Slamdance film fest, also held in Park City, Utah, (from Jan. 18 to 24), filmmaker Marie Jamora and scriptwriter Ramon de Veyra bumped into Hollywood actress

Marie Jamora (left) and Ramon de Veyra meet Sean Young in Utah.

Sean Young at a screening of “Ang Nawawala.” Young gladly posed for snapshots with the “Ang Nawawala” team, which included actress Jenny Jamora.

Young watched the Cinemalaya film in which one of the main protagonists comes dressed as her “Blade Runner” character, replicant Rachael, at a Halloween party.

Double cool.—Bayani San Diego Jr.