PH-coproduced film ‘Don’t Cry, Butterfly’ to compete in Venice

Wilfredo Manalang (PH producer), Duong Dieu Linh (Vietnamese director), and Si En Tan (Singaporean producer)

“Don’t Cry, Butterfly,” a full-length feature film produced by Philippine-based FUSEE Media alongside counterparts in Vietnam and Singapore, will be competing in the 39th edition of the Venice Critics’ Week (Settimana Internazionale della Critica) in Italy in August.

The Settimana Internazionale della Critica is a parallel section of the prestigious Venice Film Festival. Known for its highly competitive selection process, Critics’ Week features only seven debut films. It will run from Aug. 28 to Sept. 7.

“Being the only Asian film in competition is a huge accomplishment for us. It really puts our work on the map and shows its global appeal. We hope the work of all the artists in this film will soar and have a long and widespread life for everyone to appreciate,” Manalang told Inquirer Entertainment in a recent virtual interview.

The horror-comedy is written and directed by Vietnamese Duong Dieu Linh. The production was initiated by Tan Si En of Singapore-based MOMO Film Co. and was joined later by Wilfredo Manalang of FUSEE.

Also involved are the Indonesian production outfit KawanKawan Media, UK’s Adeline Arts and Science, and Singapore’s Potato Production, with support from the Singapore Film Commission.

The other six finalists are “No Sleep Till” (USA), “Homegrown” (USA), “Paul & Paulette Take a Bath” (UK), “Anywhere Anytime” (Italy), “Peacock” (Austria), and “Perfume with Mint” (Egypt).

To showcase incredible talent

Manalang said he will attend the world premiere in Italy. “The director, along with the principal actors and producers from Singapore, Vietnam and the Philippines, will all be in attendance. My FUSEE partners, Alicia Catubay-Watt, George Sommerrock, and I are excited to ensure the Philippines is well-represented,” said Manalang, who is currently in Seattle, Washington.

Vladimer Castaneto (left) and Tricia Bernasor of MalasMalas Studio (VFX)

“We’re eager to see how the international audience reacts to the film and what kind of impact it will make. I’m also excited to explore other films at the festival, especially Lav Diaz’s latest work (‘Phantosmia’), enjoy the festivities, and attend the various conferences to gain insights into the latest trends and the future of the industry,” he said.

Diaz’s “Phantosmia” will premiere at the Venice film fest’s Out-of-Competition section.

We then asked how Manalang, as a producer, was able to highlight Filipino artistry in “Don’t Cry, Butterfly,” which is predominantly Vietnamese. To this, he said: “In our film, the special and visual effects were handled by amazing Filipino artists. Jeff Cabral, known for his work on ‘Arisaka,’ did the special effects, while MalasMalas Studios, famous for ‘In My Mother’s Skin,’ brought the visual effects to life. We also teamed up with Madonna Sanchez’s PUPA Films to make this film the best it can be.

“As a producer, my goal is to showcase the incredible talent of Filipinos beyond our borders and expand their reach into other markets, especially within the Southeast Asian region. I hope that through projects such as this, we can provide opportunities for our artists beyond the Philippine market,” Manalang declared.

Break stereotypes

Set in Hanoi, “Don’t Cry, Butterfly” follows a housewife who resorts to voodoo to rekindle her cheating husband’s love, only to invite a mysterious presence into their home. “The film is my attempt to break away from the stereotypical portrayal of sad and powerless women, showing them instead as full of life and humor, with a touch of magical realism and fantasy. I hope this creation will charm audiences worldwide as much as it has charmed us,” said Linh in a statement sent by FUSEE.

Scene from “Don’t Cry, Butterfly”–FUSEE MEDIA

“We are deeply honored to have contributed to several internationally acclaimed films,” added Manalang. “Our journey began with the Japan coproduction ‘Plan 75,’ which premiered at Cannes in 2022. Following this, we experienced local success with ‘Blue Room.’ Last year, we were thrilled to see ‘Topakk’ premiere at the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland.” INQ