Cinemalaya 2013: Cinesthesia Philippine Independent Film Festival 2013
You’ve probably seen the likes of Vilma Santos, Lovi Poe, Eugene Domingo andGretchen Barretto in mainstream films across the country. The cookie-cutter plotlines, cheesy musical-themed scenes, and predictably unpredictable action scenes they’ve been in still manage to capture the masses’ hearts. But what happens when you throw them in the mix of directors who want to capture them in the light of gut-wrenching plotlines and non-linear storylines of the struggling Filipino? Enter, Cinemalaya 2013, the independent film festival and competition that aims to discover, encourage, and honor cinematic works of Filipino filmmakers that boldly interpret the Filipino experience.
Slated to run from July 26 to August 4 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, a slew of films in this year’s Cinemalaya will be headlined by the stars of the Philippine mainstream movie industry. With a total of 70 films in exhibition this year, a full slate of 25 will be part of the competition.
We give you the skinny (and our top picks) on what to watch and when to watch this fresh batch of films that feature ambitious works of established independent directors, including trailers, info, and schedules.
Opening Film:
Jazz In Love
Written & Directed by Babyruth Villarama-Gutierrez
Cinematography: Dexter Denison Dela Peña
Edited by Chuck Gutierrez
Sound: Mike Idioma
Original Music: Nani Naguit
Color: Marilen Magsaysay
Poster: Eduardo Dayao
This time it's a LOVE story.
26 July 2013 7PM CCP Main Theater
27 July 2013 7PM Alabang Town Center
29 July 2013 3:30 PM CCP Little Theater (Q&A)
New Breed category
Instant Mommy
What It's About: A look into this 30-second teaser and we’re still not sure what the movie’s about but from what we know, it’s about perception, reality, and the lies we tell others and the lies we tell ourselves. Where does the mommy part come in?
Who’s Starring: Eugene Domingo, Yuki Matsuzaki, Luis Alandy, Rico J. Puno, Shamaine Buencamino
Who’s Directing: Leo Abaya
Why We’re Excited: The teaser trailer may not have said much about what makes Eugene an “instant mommy” but any movie with her in it would make us want to watch it!
What It's About: A guy gets injured in the forest, wakes up in the middle of the night to hear the singing of a mysterious girl. Sounds like the formula of a typical love story isn’t it? Will the guy end up with the girl? We don’t know. But then this is the love story of Maria Makiling, one of the goddesses of Philippine Folklore. It would be nice to see a mythical creature come to life on the screen, but let’s hope we don’t see any kapres or tiyanaks.
Who’s Starring: Paulo Avelino, Mara Lopez
Who’s Directing: Alvin B. Yapan
Why We’re Excited: It’s Paulo Avelino after all, one of the hottest hunks out there. But we’re not just after the eye candy either, it’s the haunting tale of one of the most popular mythical creatures of Philippine folklore that caught our attention. It’s safe to say we're pretty excited to see how this will pan out.
August 3: 10:00 a.m. (CCP Studio Theater); 1:30 p.m. (Alabang Town Center Cinema 4); 9:00 p.m. (Trinoma Cinema 2)
August 4: 1:30 p.m. (Greenbelt 3 Cinema 3)
The Diplomat Hotel
What It's About: A psychological thriller set in one of the spookiest places in Baguio: The Diplomat Hotel. Led by a disgraced reporter (and her documenting crew) who seeks redemption, they are unprepared for what will unravel at this haunted place.
Who’s Starring: Gretchen Barretto, Joel Torre, Arthur Acuña, Mon Confiado
Who’s Directing: Christopher Ad. Castillo
Why We’re Excited: Disgraced Reporter. Psychological Thriller. Gretchen Barretto. It’s going to be interesting to see La Greta without the glitz, the glamour and her diva persona as she is stripped down to a crazy (and probably psycho) woman.
