PH film wins in LGBT fest in Romania

“Tale of the Lost Boys”

Joselito Altarejos’ “Tale of the Lost Boys” won best feature film at the recent Serile Filmului Gay International Film Festival in Cluj-Napoca, Romania.

Fest representative Iulia Merca had informed Altarejos of the film’s victory.

“I am ecstatic,” Altarejos shared with the Inquirer, “I am grateful that the jury appreciated my film. Personally, it’s a great way to cap 2017, and it makes me look forward to what’s in store in the future.”

The first international LGBT film festival in Romania, the Serile Filmului or Gay Film Nights is not a “money-making” venture, but aims to “promote democracy, tolerance and diversity.”

Altarejos’ film tells the story of the unlikely friendship between a Filipino mechanic and a closeted Taiwanese who go on a road trip, to visit the latter’s tribal community.

“This film has affirmed that people from different cultures and backgrounds can come together and work toward a common goal,” the Filipino filmmaker asserted. “It somehow reflects my friendship with [the film’s Taiwanese producer] Jay Lin. I am happy that our friendship has led to a successful artistic endeavor.”

Filipino and Taiwanese artists and technicians converged on the set, he recalled: “It’s under Portico Productions, a Taiwanese film company. My main actors—Oliver Aquino and Ta Su—are Filipino and Taiwanese, respectively. My assistant director, Sean Tien, is Hollywood-trained.

“It was really a coming together of a group of people who would sometimes speak different languages and yet was able to work harmoniously and professionally using the language of cinema.”

The film has truly gone places, Altarejos enthused.

“I can say that now I am ready to accept more jobs and explore other possibilities outside the Philippines,” he remarked.