Ato Bautista's new obra premiere's Sunday October 19, 9 PM, Gateway Cineplex 1
CARNIVORE, the highly-anticipated socio-drama-thriller from acclaimed director/producer Ato Bautista, competes in the 10th Cinemanila International Film Festival, Digitalokal Section. Catch its gala premiere this Sunday (October 19), 9 pm at the Gateway Cineplex 1, Araneta Center, Cubao.
Known for his ingenious execution, powerful performances from his actors, distinctive narrative and visceral filmmaking, Bautista comes up with another strong and unapologetic obra in Carnivore.
The film reunites him with Carlo Aquino after their first collaboration in the neo-realist noir, SA AKING PAGKAKAGISING MULA SA KAMULATAN (AWAKEN). Carnivore is Bautista’s third feature after the hypnotic psychological and original Filipino thriller, BLACKOUT.
CARNIVORE follows the story of Lino Lucero, an idealistic, yet ignorant young man, from the province who went to the city, wanting to make a name for himself to become “somebody.” An ambition he’s bound to fulfill whatever it takes. But life in the city proves to be more vicious, cruel and horrifying than what he expected.
Unshaken, Lino enters an infamous fraternity that he thinks and believes can help him achieve his goal, and take him a step closer to his ambition.
As he strives to succeed in every initiation and trials that he encounters, Lino persists. But gradually, he succumbs to his ambition, until that climactic ending where he is faced with the greatest dilemma to survive in the compromising jungle of life, where he gets a taste of human flesh.
This opus is the filmmaker’s personal commentary on idealism, corruption, ambition and survival summarized in the film’s catchphrase: “Lured by the tempting lights of the city, drawn into the cruel jungle of survival... in a world where the Fierce devours the Nobody.”
Carnivore is also produced by renowned filmmaker Erik Matti and screenwriter, Shugo Praico, Bautista’s constant-collaborator. Cinematography is by Lyle Nemenzo Sacris. Original music is from virtuoso lead guitarist Tirso Ripoll, featuring soundtracks from his respected rock band, Razorback, plus songs from independent bands, Moyg and Sleepyheads. Cast includes Mark Gil, Bembol Roco, Baron Geisler, Ian De Leon, CJ Ramos, Cholo Barretto, Empoy Marquez, Michael Flores and Odette Khan.
Carnivore is presented by Reality Entertainment, Inc. in cooperation with Larger Than Life, Inc and National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
Rated R-18 due to violence and focus on details of blood and injury, but don’t take MTRCB’s word for it, go and see the film for yourself, shot on High Definition (HD), in widescreen format at Gateway Cineplex’s state-of-art Super Digital Cinema.
Regular tickets sold at PHP 150 and PHP 100 for students.
Carnivore
Ato Bautista
Dekada Cinemanila International Film Festival October 16-29, 2008
Gateway Cineplex 10
