Eight impressive Filipino films will be featured at the 32nd Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) starting October 28 in Tokyo, Japan, including Paul Soriano’s “Mañanita” and Bradley Liew’s “Motel Acacia” in Competition and Asian Future Sections.
Filipino filmmakers in attendance in Tokyo are “Mañanita”’s Director Paul Soriano and Bela Padilla; “Motel Acacia”’s Director Bradley Liew, JC Santos, Bianca Balbuena, Ben Padero, Carlo Tabije, Ben Tolentino, April Batican, Kriz Gazmen, and Quark Henares; “Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay”’s Director Antoinette Jadaone; and “Untrue”’s Director Sigrid Andrea P. Bernardo.
Meanwhile, other Filipino films which will participate at TIFF are “Mindanao” by Brillante Ma Mendoza, Food Lore Series – “Island of Dreams” by Erik Matti, “The Entity” (“Kuwaresma”) directed by Erik Matti, and “The Halt” (“Ang Hupa”) by Lav Diaz.
“It has been a fruitful year for Philippine cinema, especially now that we are celebrating its hundred years. FDCP takes pride that our films consistently make a mark in world cinema, especially in the prestigious Tokyo International Film Festival,” said FDPC Chairperson and CEO Mary Liza Diño.
Filipino Films at Tokyo International Film Festival
October 28 to November 5, 2019
“Mañanita”
Director: Paul Soriano
Section: Competitive
Cast: Bela Padilla, Ronnie Lazaro
Synopsis: Bearing a facial bruise, the heroine is a shooter who served in the military. But after losing her job, she spends her nights getting drunk in a bar – until a phone call changes everything. This superb film turns a series of unassuming shots into an emotional drama.
“Motel Acacia”
Director: Bradley Liew
Section: Asian Future
Cast: JC Santos, Jan Bijvoet, Nicholas Saputra
Synopsis: Malaysia-born, Philippines-based Bradley Liew’s second feature is a horror film with a multi-national crew and cast. A man confronts a demon haunting a motel he has taken over from his father.
“Mindanao”
Director: Brillante Ma Mendoza
Section: World Focus Powered by Aniplex Inc.
Cast: Judy Ann Santos, Allen Dizon, Yuna Tangog
Synopsis: Saima’s story is merged with the epic tale of the warrior-brothers Raja Sulayman and Indarapatra battling against two fire-breathing sea serpents. The heroes’ conquests and tragedy mirror Saima’s harrowing reality.
Food Lore Series – “Island of Dreams”
Director: Erik Matti
Section: World Focus Powered by Aniplex Inc.
Cast: Angeli Bayani, Yul Servo, Ina Feleo
Synopsis: We present two episodes from HBO Asia’s eight-part food anthology series following “Folklore”, executive produced by Eric Khoo. One is a sensual piece by Phan Đăng Di and the other is starring Angeli Bayani.
“The Entity” (“Kuwaresma”)
Director: Erik Matti
Section: The Japan Foundation Asia Center presents CROSSCUT ASIA ♯06: Fantastic Southeast Asia
Cast: Sharon Cuneta, John Arcilla, Kent Gonzales
Synopsis: A family is haunted by what appears to be the ghost of their youngest daughter.
“The Halt” (“Ang Hupa”)
Director: Lav Diaz
Section: The Japan Foundation Asia Center presents CROSSCUT ASIA ♯06: Fantastic Southeast Asia
Cast: Piolo Pascual, Joel Lamangan, Shaina Magdayao
Synopsis: Manilla, 2034. As a result of massive volcanic eruptions in the Celebes Sea in 2031, Southeast Asia is literally in the dark. Madmen control countries, communities, enclaves and new bubble cities
“Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay”
Director: Antoinette Jadaone
Section: The Japan Foundation Asia Center presents CROSSCUT ASIA ♯06: Fantastic Southeast Asia
Cast: Lilia Cuntapay, Joel Saracho, Geraldine Villamil
Synopsis: The story follows Lilia Cuntapay through the days leading up to a fictionalized awards night where she is nominated as a Best Supporting Actress for the very first time.
“Untrue”
Director: Sigrid Andrea P. Bernardo
Section: The Japan Foundation Asia Center presents CROSSCUT ASIA ♯06: Fantastic Southeast Asia
Cast: Cristine Reyes, Xian Lim
Synopsis: Two lonely Filipinos living in the country of Georgia find solace and companionship in each other, until the strange apparition of a woman begins to haunt their relationship.
The 32nd Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) runs from October 28 to November 5, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan.
