2 PH films in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard

LAV DIAZ . INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino indie films starring mainstream actors Sam Milby, Zanjoe Marudo and Sid Lucero have made it to the biggest film festival in the world.

Two Filipino films will be shown in the Un Certain Regard section of the Cannes International Film Festival, to be held in France from May 15 to 27.

The two Filipino films included in the Cannes lineup are Adolfo Alix Jr.’s “Death March” and Lav Diaz’s “Norte, Hangganan ng Kasaysayan.”

The two Filipino filmmakers confirmed the news with the Inquirer in separate interviews.

Diaz said his film, which was shot in Ilocos Norte , top-bills Lucero, Angeli Bayani, Archie Alemania, Hazel Orencio, Soliman Cruz, Angelina Kanapi, among others.

“Norte” was produced by Wacky O Productions, with the screenplay by Rody Vera and Diaz.

Alix said “Death March” was also scripted by Vera. Based on the experiences of Filipino, American and Japanese soldiers during World War II, the film also stars Lucero, with Marudo, Milby, Jason Abalos, Carlo Aquino, Felix Roco and Jacky Woo.

“Death March” is produced by Woo’s Under Forward Entertainment, said Alix.

Alix and Diaz both expressed elation about their inclusion in the world’s premier film festival.

“I’m very happy. It’s a good sign for Philippine cinema,” said Alix.

“The world can see our kind of cinema. That the Filipino filmmaking scene is very active,” Diaz said.

Un Certain Regard is a parallel competition to the fest’s main section.

Launched in 1978, Un Certain Regard aims to “present films that are original and different.” This section aims to “recognize young talent and encourage innovative and daring works.”

This year’s Un Certain Regard will have Sofia Coppola’s “The Bling Ring” as opening film.

Danish filmmaker Thomas Vinterberg, director of films like “The Celebration” and “The Hunt,” will head the jury of the Un Certain Regard section.