The Cinema One Originals’ selection “Hamog,” and Cinema One and Salida Productions’ horror flick “Salvage” will be screened at the upcoming Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino, a novel initiative of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) to connect quality Filipino films to a wider audience happening on August 16-22.
These two movies join 10 other notable entries chosen by the FDCP as featured films in the festival scheduled during the country’s Buwan ng Wika celebration. The project will have a nationwide release in more than 700 theaters nationwide.
Liza Diňo-Seguerra, FDCP chairperson, shared, “‘Hamog’ and ‘Salvage’ are certainly unique additions to the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino lineup. ‘Hamog’ features extremely talented young actors of today in a film that mixes gritty reality with emotional depth while ‘Salvage’ is an impressive attempt at a new brand of keep-you-at-the-edge-of-your-seat horror. We cannot wait for the Filipino audience to see these amazing films in PPP.”
Ralston Jover’s “Hamog” (Haze) tells real-life scenarios of four streetchildren who cannot help but resort to the routine of crime to survive daily life. Two unexpected events soon occur that will challenge and push the kids to make tough choices.
It is the only local film so far that competed in two International Federation of Film Producers Associations or FIAPF A-list film festivals and won in both. It earned the Outstanding Artistic Achievement award for Ralston at the 19th Shanghai International Film Festival, and the Silver St. George Best Actress Award for lead actress Therese Malvar in Moscow International Film Festival, making her the country’s youngest A-list film festival best actress. Aside from the FIAPF recognitions, the film also won the Russian Critics Choice Award for Best Film.
Therese’s performance in “Hamog” also earned her the New York Asian Film Festival’s Rising Star award. Joining her in the cast are Zaijan Jaranilla, Sam Quitania, Bor Lentejas, OJ Mariano, Anna Luna, Mike Liwag, Lou Veloso and Kyline Alcantara.
Meanwhile, the found footage film “Salvage” stars Jessy Mendiola and JC de Vera in a thrilling story of a news team in search of clues. A series of killings has occurred in a remote and haunted province, initially believed to be caused by supernatural attacks.
The Sherad Anthony Sanchez’s movie was cited for Best Film Editing in last year’s Young Critics Circle.
According to a review written by Skilty Labastilla in Young Critics Circle Film Desk, “’Salvage’ does not rely on plot to sustain viewers’ interest, rather, it engages by evoking a sense of mystery and increasing dread. The last twenty breathtaking minutes, in particular, offer a masterclass in shoestring suspense filmmaking by ingenious use of camera angles and lighting, sound and film editing, and no-holds-barred acting.”
The movie also received positive reviews from film directors.
“Interested less in the genre as a commercial hook and device, instead, Sanchez cleverly uses its tropes to make a searing statement on the Filipino tribe being seduced by the pomp, spectacle and religious pageantry tendered by a monstrous, native demon sprung from the depths of the jungle,” shared Rico Ilarde.
“Violator” director Dodo Dayao cited, “Sanchez returns to the jungle and comes back with this thoroughly mysterious and hallucinatory piece of modern horror that twists found footage conventions into a strange disturbing new shape.”
Catch “Salvage” and “Hamog” in the first ever Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino happening from August 16-22 in cinemas nationwide. For more information, like Cinema One (@Cinema1channel) and Cinema One Originals (@CinemaOneOriginals) on Facebook.
