Cheer Factor: French firm picks up ‘Busong’

ALESSANDRA de Rossi in “Busong”.

Promenade Films, a French company based in Marseilles, has acquired distribution rights to Auraeus Solito’s latest film “Busong” in France. Solito said Promenade will also coproduce his next film “Delubyo.” “Busong” is set for release in French cinemas in March 2012. Solito said “Busong” will compete in five festivals: Brussels (Belgium), Santiago (Chile), Tallinn (Estonia), Goa and Kerala (India).

‘Bisperas’ wins in Tokyo

Filipino filmmaker Jeffrey Jeturian’s “Bisperas (Trespassers)” won the top prize in the Winds of Asia-Middle East section of the 24th Tokyo International Film Festival, held in Japan on Sunday. “Bisperas” competed with films from all over Asia and the Middle East. Jeturian’s film earlier won five awards in the Directors’ Showcase section of this year’s Cinemalaya – including Best Film. Jeturian is one of the recipients of the Inquirer Indie Tribute last year.

In the Black

GMA Artist Center (GMAAC) gathered all its stars in a special collection of photographs dubbed “Black Book.”

“We wanted to come out with a catalogue that will showcase our artists at their very best,” explained Ida Henares, GMAAC head. “At the same time, it serves as a wonderful souvenir for their fans.”

The shoots, with photographer Marlon Pecjo, were memorable as well.  Marlon asked Rocco Nacino to climb up a billboard along a busy highway for his shot.

“I wanted my portrait to look unique,” Rocco recalled.

Sef Cadayona counted himself lucky because a sports car was parked at the studio during his turn. “It’s so cool that I got to pose behind the wheel of a sports car.”

The shoot for YouTube duo Moymoy Palaboy was a blast as they got to show off a seldom-seen serious side. Bayani San Diego Jr.