‘Noy’ Goes Global

The movie ‘Noy’ will hit global movie theaters as it offers international screenings in the US this June.

Filipinos abroad will have the chance to watch this one-of-a-kind movie about Noy (Coco Martin), a “journalist” who followed the campaign trail of his namesake and top presidential bet Noynoy Aquino. Mark your calendars on June 11-17 as this film hits the following venues: UA Stonestwon Twin, San Francisco; Century Great Mall, San Francisco, Milpitas CA; UA Horton Plaza, San Diego; and Cerritos Stadium Cinema, Los Angeles.

For tickets, log on to www.abs-cbnglobalmovies.com or call 1-800-227-9676.

Before its international screenings, Noy will be first shown here in the Philippines starting on June 2 in more than a hundred cinemas nationwide.

Watch the trailer here:


Source: Starmometer.com

ANC Releases Statement on MTRCB’s X Rating of 2 ‘Ambisyon’ Films

Two of AmBisyon’s films, directed by internationally acclaimed filmmakers Jeffrey Jeturian and Brillante Mendoza, were rated X on March 25, by the MTRCB.

Jeturian’s film for ANC, the ABS-CBN News Channel, focused on the state of the economy. His camera follows a newspaper from the time it is delivered to a homeowner to when it is used to wipe feces from the foot of a cart-pushing vendor. Jeturian uses a newspaper printed with the same controversial advertisement that came out in early January trumpeting the administration’s economic successes. The film, called “Ganito tayo ngayon, Paano na tayo bukas?” ends with President Arroyo’s photo on the crumpled newspaper.

The MTRCB said in its decision that the film was X-rated for “undermining the faith and confidence of the people in government.”

Mendoza’s film, “Ayos Ka” is a music video whose hopeful soundtrack is a stark contrast against images of poverty, prostitution, drugs and murder.

The MTRCB claimed Mendoza’s film is “injurious to the prestige of the Republic of the Philippines and its people.”

ANC produced the AmBisyon 2010 film series in the name of public interest, to offer a nation on the verge of a critical election the chance to focus on issues, not personalities. It is an advocacy shared by the film industry. Twenty of the country’s most powerful voices in cinema have offered their talents gratis to each create a short film on a chosen issue.

The films are scheduled to screen on April 6 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines and in a five-episode weekly series over ANC and Studio 23 beginning April 9.

We in ANC respect due process, and will be requesting a second review on Monday. We hope the MTRCB will reconsider.

We support our filmmakers in their decision not to revise their films. While the views of the 20 amBisyon’s filmmakers may not necessarily reflect ANC’S, we believe these films are legitimate perspectives of the state of the nation.

We trust in the public’s capacity to decide whether they will claim these views as their own.

Source: Starmometer.com

‘The Red Shoes’ – Unitel’s stepped up love story

Every woman has a secret love affair with red shoes. Girls of all ages, shapes and sizes own at least one red pair.

In 1986, in the evening of the People Power Revolution in the Philippines, 10-year-old Lucas Munozca catches sight of the First Lady’s 3000 pairs of shoes at the Presidential Palace and decides to steal a pair of red shoes.

That’s how the excitement begins. The battle of the networks sizzles in a love-able way as GMA prime timer Marvin Agustin stars as Lucas who falls in love with tall, sosyal Bettina, played by ABS-CBN luminary Nikki Gil. Marvin and Nikki loved the script so much; they made time to match their schedules with each other. Together they take the audience on a merry chase of tumbling emotions and silly notions. It is Marvin’s and Nikki’s first pairing and Nikki Gil’s first ever starring role.

“The Red Shoes” is a love story, plain and simple, but one set against an intriguing chapter of Philippine history, produced by Unitel, the group that made the box office hit “Crying Ladies” and “Santa Santita.”

Unitel President and CEO Tony Gloria was instantly drawn to the story when Marvin Agustin and Director Raul Jorolan presented it to him. He wasted no time in getting the wheels turning to make the project a reality.

“The story unfolds through three decades as we tell Lucas’ story,” Jorolan lets on. “Young, resolute and in love, there is nothing that will stop him from pursuing his goals – not even committing an act amidst the chaos and confusion of the 1986 People Power revolution – all in the name of love.”

The movie also stars Liza Lorena, Tessie Tomas, Iwa Moto, Tetchie Agbayani, Monica Llamas and Tirso Cruz III. It will be shown in local theaters on March 10, 2010. To get pumped up by “The Red Shoes,” visit www.theredshoes.com.ph.

Source: mb.com.ph

‘Walang Hanggang Paalam’ Wins Best Film in 1st SoHo International Film Fest in NYC

“Walang Hanggang Paalam” took home the top plum in the 1st SoHo International Film Festival NYC 2010 last February 21.

Directed by the tandem of Paolo Villaluna and Ellen Ramos, “Walang Hanggang Paalam” (English title: Endless) bested 11 other films in competition including “A Kiss of Chaos” (USA), “Just Like Joe” (USA), “Non Con Un Bang” (Italy), and 2 other Philippine entries – Gil Portes’ “Pitik Bulag” and Dale Adriatico’s “The Pastor’s Kid”. The movie is the last of a trilogy on hapless relationships. Villaluna and Ramos previously produced “Ilusyon” in 2006, and “Selda” in 2008.

“Walang Hanggang Paalam” is a story of four individuals who, in the course of seeking love, discover themselves and their fate. Villaluna and Ramos are known for their classic style and restrained attack on a movie’s narrative. The movie features Lovie Poe, Joem Bascon, Jake Roxas and Jackie Woo. Forward Group Japan produced the movie (CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE TRAILER OF “Walang Hanggang Paalam”).

Held from February 18 to 21, SIFF was designed “to celebrate the cutting-edge of digital technology while honoring traditional forms of storytelling,” say founder Jorge Ballos on its official site.

Source: Starmometer.com

Cinemalaya 2010 Finalists Announced

The Cinemalaya Foundation has named the ten finalists for the 6th Annual Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.

Out of 198 entries, 10 finalists were picked to compete in the annual full length feature category. In alphabetical order by film title, the finalists are:

“Halaw”
by Sheron Dayoc

“Limbunan”
by Gutierrez Mangansakan II

Mayohan
by Dan Villegas and Paul Sta. Ana

“Magkakapatid”
by Kim Homer C. Garcia

“Rekrut”
by Danny Añonuevo

“Sampaguita”
by Francis Xavier Pasion

“Sheika”
by Arnel Mardoquio

“Si Techie, Si Teknoboy at si JuanaB”
by Art Katipunan

“Siya ang Mayor Ko (Vox Populi)”
by Dennis N. Marasigan

“The Leaving”
by Ian-Dean S. Loreños

Each finalist will receive a P500,000 production grant from the Cinemalaya Foundation.

Meanwhile, an “Open Category” is being introduced this year. It is an an initial venture of the festival to feature works by veteran Filipino directors. According to Cinemalaya Foundation Board of Director Laurice Guillen, those who have directed at least 3 full-length feature films that have been released commercially qualify in this category.

From out of the 20 or so entries, only 5 got to the final round. These films are:

“Ang Paglilitis ni Bonifacio”
by Mario O’Hara

“Isang Pirasong Buhay”
by Mark Meily

“Pink Halu-Halo”
by Joselito Altarejos

“Sigaw”
by Joel Lamangan

“Two Funerals”
by Gil Portes

Finalists in the Short Film category to be announced.

This year’s festival will run from July 9 to July 18, 2010 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. P200,000 prize awaits the Best Full-Length Feature Film entry while P100,000 prize awaits the Best Short Feature Film entry.

Source: starmometer.com

‘Sanglaan’ Wins 2 Awards at Lyon Filmfest in France

The Cinemalaya 2009 finalist, Sanglaan, is the latest Filipino film to win awards overseas.

Milo Sogueco’s first full-length film, Sanglaan (The Pawnshop) received two awards at the 15th Lyon Film Festival
held last Nov. 3 to 8 in Lyon, France.

The film, which stars Tessie Tomas, Ina Feleo and Joem Bascon won silver in the New Asian Cinema and the bronze Grand Prix du Public audience award.

Earlier this year, Sanglaan won the Best Actress award for Ina Feleo and Best Supporting Actress for Tessie Tomas in the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival which was held at the CCP.

Sanglaan captures stories of five people conflicted with matters of life. A middle-aged woman is troubled by aging. A girl is deeply in love with her high school crush while a security guard becomes a husband to a sick wife. Also featured in the film are similarly interesting characters of a seaman and a loan shark.



Source: http://www.starmometer.com/2009/11/19/sanglaan-wins-2-awards-at-lyon-filmfest-in-france/

‘Boy’ Stands Out from the Gay-Themed Genre

“Boy” is not just another gay-themed indie film. It’s hailed by critics as a gem in the genre proliferated by thrash.

From the acclaimed director of “Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros”, comes a coming-of-age gay movie about a young gay poet who sells his prized comic book and action figure collection to spend a night with a macho dancer.

“Boy” is helmed by Auraeus Solito, acclaimed director of Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros (2006), and Tuli (2007). Starring Aeious Asin and Aries Pena, the movie is now showing at the Robinson’s IndieSine and other selected cinemas.

SYNOPSIS: One evening, young budding poet (Adam) observes lip-synching drag-queens and dancing rent-boys (macho dancers) in a gay bar. The poet finds himself attracted to Aries, who comes from a poorer part of town. Selling his comic books so as to be able to afford the macho dancer for one night, Adam’s character buys Aries at the bar and brings him home for the New Year.

Sparks fly while celebratory fireworks go off outside the house and the boys forge a fragile connection that neither of them is certain will last. Boy is a coming-of-age tale of a sensitive boy who arrives at his first lesson about love and who learns to grow confidently into his own sexuality.



Source: http://www.starmometer.com/2009/10/08/boy-stands-out-from-the-gay-themed-genre/

‘Boylets’ Opens in Selected Cinemas

Crisaldo Vicente Pablo, the director of contoversial skin flicks such as Showboyz, Quicktrip, Duda and Moreno is back with another provocative gay-themed digital film called “Boylets.”

oylets stars newcomers Joeffrey Javier, Charles Delgado, Rusty Adonis and Francis Sienes.

Boylets is about teenage Krys who is from a middle class family and his bunch of out of school friends who pass the time stealing copper electric wires and steel, betting cash in online computer games and doing sexual services to gay patrons. Krys’ best friend Joef is the leader of the pack and he is turning eighteen and is leaving the next day. Krys tries to control Joef’s last day and birthday celebration as he attempts to stop him from his plans. But will Krys be able to stop the guy he likes from leaving?

The film is showing on October 14, 2009 in selected theaters: Robinsons Galleria, Remar-Cubao, Isetann-Recto, and soon to be shown in Cebu and Davao.



Source: http://www.starmometer.com/2009/10/08/boylets-opens-in-selected-cinemas/

Piolo’s ‘Manila’ Earns P700K

Distributed by Star Cinema, premiered in Cannes, opened Cinemalaya, great promotions with matching Bench billboards, what went wrong?

Manila is a two-part indie film that features Piolo Pascual, who is also a co-producer for this film, and is helmed by critically acclaimed directors Adolf Alix, Jr. and Raya Martin. The film is inspired by Ishmael Bernal’s 1980 movie Manila By Night and Lino Brocka’s 1979 masterpiece Jaguar.

It had its world premiere at the prestigious Cannes International Film Festival in France. It’s also the opening film for the 2009 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. It was distributed by Star Cinema in 17 selected theaters, mostly in Mega Manila. And when it comes to promotion, no less than Bench helped with its billboards.

It’s box-office haul was P700,130.64. It grossed only P200,000 on opening day. Some theaters that averaged as low as P5,000, made it a first day, last day opening.

So what went wrong? Perhaps the film is not commercial enough? Perhaps it only caters to the highly intellectual movie-goers? Or perhaps a black and white movie is perceived “boring” by Pinoys.

It may be a flop at the box-office but come awards night next year, it could be one of the contenders. Quality doesn’t always translate to box-office success, you know, and vice versa. Transformers 2 were a critical flop but it became a monster hit. Boys Don’t Cry and Monster’s Ball were box-office flops but they are Oscar winners.

And as for Piolo, as first time producer, we can only say “charge to experience.” At least he had the courage to make an art film rather than a mediocre comedy like Oh My Girl (I’m really frustrated with this movie).

Source: http://www.starmometer.com/2009/08/03/piolos-manila-earns-p700k/

Dinig Sana Kita (If I Knew What You Said) - Cinemalaya 2009 Finalist

Dinig Sana Kita (If I Knew What You Said) is the first Filipino film to have a deaf actor in a lead role.

Dinig Sana Kita is a touching love story between a Deaf boy who loves to dance and a troubled rocker girl who abuses her hearing. One lives in the world of solitude and silence, the other in noise and fear. Crossing paths in a Baguio camp that mixes Deaf and hearing kids, both find that they have more in common with each other including a love for music.

The movie is one of the 10 finalists in the 2009 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, which runs from July 17 to 26 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay City.

Starring in the movie are Zoe Sandejas, Robert Seña, Lorenzo Mara, Mica Torre, Adrianna Agcaoili, Cherrie Velarde-Mactal and Romalito Mallari. It is written and directed by Mike Sandejas.

Video Link: http://perfect10movies.blogspot.com/2009/07/dinig-sana-kita.html
Source: http://www.starmometer.com/2009/07/02/dinig-sana-kita-if-i-knew-what-you-said-cinemalaya-2009-finalist/

‘Imburnal’ Wins 2 Awards from 10th Jeonju International Film Festival

The Cinema One indie film “Imburnal” took home two trophies from Korean filmfest.

Imburnal, by Sherad Anthony Sanchez, took home the Woosuk and the NETPAC award in the recently concluded 10th Jeonju International Film Festival, the second most prestigious in Korea after Pusan IFF. The nine-day film fest was held from April 30 to May 8, featuring 200 films from 42 countries.

The Woosuk award, which comes with a cash prize of $10,000, is given to the film that contributes to widen the scope and depth in contemporary cinema. This is the first award captured by the Philippines via the Cinema One Originals Best Picture winner “Imburnal.”

The second award grabbed Imburnal was the NETPAC award, or the best Asian feature film screened at JIFF. Imburnal bested 12 other countries for this award.

The Audience Award, on the other hand, was snatched by Maeda Tetsu’s “School Days with a Pig.” The Japanese film took home 2 million Korean won.

The Daum Special Jury Prize was won by Algeria’s “Inland.”

The other Filipino film that participated at Jeonju was Lav Diaz’ “Butterflies Have No Memories.”

Source: http://www.starmometer.com/2009/05/10/imburnal-wins-2-awards-from-10th-jeonju-international-film-festival/

Gina Pareño Wins Best Supporting Actress in Hong Kong Filmfest

Our very own Gina Pareño has just won Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Serbis” (Service) in the recently concluded 3rd Hong Kong Asian Film Festival (HKAFF).

The festival was dominated by China, Japan and Korea. Gina Pareño was the only winner from Southeast Asia.

Jacklyn Jose was also nominated for her performance in Serbis as well as Brillante Mendoza for Best Director.

Serbis competed in the prestigious Cannes Film Festival last year with Brillante Mendoza being nominated for the Golden Palm award. It was the most controversial movie at Cannes in 2008 and the only entry from Asia selected for competition (if we regard Israel as part of Southern Europe and not Asia for that matter).

Later of 2008, it won the Golden Kinnaree Award at the Bangkok International Film Festival. It also received 3 nominations at the 2008 Asian Film Awards.

Here’s the list of winners for the 3rd Hong Kong Asian Film Festival:

Best Film:
Tokyo Sonata (Japan, Hong Kong, and The Netherlands)

Best Director:
Kore-Eda Hirokazu (Still Walking, Japan)

Best Actor:
Motoki Masahiro (Departures, Japan)

Best Actress:
Zhou Xun (The Equation of Love and Death, The Chinese Mainland)

Best Newcomer:
Yu Shau-qun (Forever Enthralled, The Chinese Mainland)

Best Supporting Actor:
Jung Woo-sun (The Good, The Bad, The Weird, South Korea)

Best Supporting Actress:
Gina Pareño (Service, Philippines)

Best Screenwriter:
Kurosawa Kiyoshi, Max Mannix, & Tanaka Sachiko
(Tokyo Sonata, Japan / Hong Kong / The Netherlands)

Best Cinematographer:
Jola Dylewska (Tulpan, Germany/ Kazakhstan/ Poland/ Russia/ Switzerland )

Best Production Designer:
Daniel Lee Yan-Kong (Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragons, The Chinese Mainland / Hong Kong / South Korea)

Best Composer:
Hisaishi Joe (Ponyo On The Cliff By The Sea, Japan)

Best Editor:
Kim Sun-Min (The Chaser, South Korea)

Best Visual Effects:
Craig Hayes (Red Cliff, The Chinese Mainland)

Source: http://www.starmometer.com/2009/03/24/gina-pareno-wins-best-supporting-actress-in-hong-kong-filmfest/

Joem Bascon & Lovi Poe Star in ‘Walang Hanggang Paalam’

From the makers of critically-acclaimed indie films Selda and Ilusyon comes a poignant love story starring Joem Bascon and Lovi Poe.

Walang Hanggang Paalam is the third movie of tandem filmmakers Paolo Villaluna and Ellen Ramos.

Lovi plays Maria, a 16-year-old liberated teenager who is torn between love for a boy (Joem) and love for a man who is old enough to be her father (Jacky Woo). Joem portrays the boyfriend named Ryan who is longing to devirginize Maria.

Joem and Lovi will be supported by Jacky Woo (also the movie producer), Jake Roxas, Ricardo Cepeda, Rico Barrera, Ai Ittogi and Tetchi Agbayani.

Synopsis: Maria (Lovi Poe) is a 16-year old girl who elopes with her boyfriend Ryan (Joem Bascon) to Baguio. While they are in a hotel in Baguio, they meet a terminally ill tourist (Jacky Woo) who is in Baguio beause it is where he met his ex-wife who is a Filipina. Maria develops a strange relationship with the tourist and she is later torn between the love of Ryan and the older stranger she has just met.

Meanwhile, Maria’s father (Ricardo Cepeda) hires a private detective named Patrick (Jake Roxas) to look for his daughter. Patrick is a homosexual who is learning to deal with the promiscuity of his lover (Rico Barrera).

Walang Hanggang Paalam is set to premiere on February 8, 2009, 8:00 PM at Robinson’s IndieSine. Regular screening is on February 11-18, 2009.

Source: http://www.starmometer.com/2009/01/27/joem-bascon-lovi-poe-star-in-walang-hanggang-paalam/

Cinemalaya 2009 Finalists Bared

The Top 10 finalists for the 2009 Cinemalaya Film Festival are the following:

24K by Ana Agabin

Ang Nerseri (The Nursery) by Vic Acedillo, Jr.

Ang Panggagahasa kay Fe by Alvin Yapan

Astig (Mga Batang Kalye) by GB Sampedro

Colorum by Jon Steffan Ballesteros

Dinig Sana Kita by Mike Sandejas

Engkwentro by Pepe Diokno

Last Supper No. 3 by Veronica Velasco and Jinky Laurel

Mangatyanan (The Blood Trail) by Jerrold Tarog

Sanglaan by Milo Sogueco

Each finalists will receive P500,000.00 as seed investments. The 10 films will be screened on July 17-26, 2009 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The winning entry will be announced on July 26, 2009 and will receive an additional P200,000.00 cash incentive.

Source: http://www.starmometer.com/2009/01/09/cinemalaya-2009-finalists-bared/

31st GAWAD URIAN Nominees

THE MANUNURI ng Pelikulang Pilipino, the society of respected film critics, has announced the nominees for the 31st annual Gawad Urian for excellence in filmmaking.

Independent digital features dominate the best picture race: “Confessional” (Creative Programs, Inc. through Cinema One Originals and Oddfield Productions), “Endo” (UFO Pictures Production), “Foster Child” (Seiko Films), “Death in the Land of Encantos” (Sine Olivia Pilipinas), “Tirador” (Centerstage Productions), and “Tribu” (8 Glasses Productions).

“Confessional” is about a neophyte documentary filmmaker and the explosive confession of a provincial mayor. Jerrold Tarog, its director, is nominated for best director (along with co-director Ruel Dahis), as well as best actor, screenplay (aka Ramon Ukit), editing (aka Pats R. Ranyo), and sound. Publio Briones III, who plays the mayor, is nominated for best supporting actor.

“Endo,” about the personal and economic struggles of a contractual worker in the retail industry, is also nominated for best actor (Jason Abalos), actress (Ina Feleo), director (Jade Francis Castro), supporting actress (Alcris Galura), screenplay (Castro, Michiko Yamamoto, Raymond Lee), and production design (Jhek Cogama).

“Foster Child,” about a surrogate mother to a boy set to be adopted abroad, is also nominated for best actress (Cherry Pie Picache), director (Brillante Mendoza), supporting actress (Eugene Domingo), supporting actor (Jiro Manio), screenplay (Joel Jover and Ralston Jover), production design (Benjamin Padero), cinematography (Odyssey Flores), and sound (Emmanuelle Clemente and Arnold Reodica).

Brillante Mendoza is also nominated for best director for “Tirador,” about petty criminal syndicates around Quiapo. Aside from best picture and director, the movie is also nominated for supporting actor (Kristoffer King and Benjamin Fileo), supporting actress (Angela Ruiz), screenplay (Ralston Jover), production design (Harley Alcasid and Deans Habal), cinematography (Mendoza, Jeffrey de la Cruz, Gary Tria and Julius Villanueva), music (Teresa Barrozo), and sound (Ditoy Aguila and Junel Valencia).

“Death in the Land of the Encantos,” about how people try to pick up the pieces after a devastating typhoon much like the one that hit Bicol in 2006, is also nominated for best actor (Roeder Camanag), direction and screenplay (Lav Diaz), and production design (Diaz again and Dante Perez).

“Tribu,” about Tondo rasta-street gangs, is also nominated for best director and screenplay (Jim Libiran), actor (O.G. Sacred), supporting actress (Malou Crisologo), production design (Armi Cacanindin), editing (Lawrence Ang), music (Francis de Veyra), and sound (Ditoy Aguila).

World-renowned Filipino filmmaker Kidlat Tahimik, whose internationally award-winning 1977 film, “Mababangong Bangungot” (Perfumed Nightmare) earned acclaim from Francis Ford Coppola and Werner Herzog, will receive the Natatanging Gawad, the critics’ lifetime achievement award.

Winners will be announced during colorful formal ceremonies next month to be produced by APT Productions.

The Manunuri is chaired by Mike Rapatan of the communications department of De la Salle University.

Members are Nicanor Tiongson, former artistic director of the Cultural Center of the Philippines and chairman of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board; Bienvenido Lumbera, 1993 Ramon Magsaysay Award laureate; Gigi Alfonso, chancellor of the UP Open University; Mario Hernando, Sunday Malaya editor; columnist and television personality Butch Francisco; Roland Tolentino, professor of the UP College of Mass Communications; and Lito Zulueta, Inquirer editor and professor at the University of Santo Tomas.

Complete list of nominees:

PICTURE: Confessional (Creative Programs, Inc. thru Cinema One Originals and Oddfield Productions), Endo (UFO Pictures Production), Foster Child (Seiko Films), Death in the Land of Encantos (Sine Olivia Pilipinas), Tirador (Centerstage Productions), Tribu (8 Glasses Productions)

DIRECTOR: Adolfo Alix Jr. (Tambolista), Jade Francis Castro (Endo), Lav Diaz (Death in the Land of Encantos), Jim Libiran (Tribu), Brillante Mendoza (Foster Child and Tirador), Jerrold Tarog and Ruel Dahis Antipuesto (Confessional), Paolo Villaluna and Ellen Ramos (Selda)

SCREENPLAY: Jade Castro, Michiko Yamamoto, Raymond Lee (Endo), Lav Diaz (Death in the Land of Encantos), Joel Jover and Ralston Jover (Foster Child), Ralston Jover (Tirador), Jim Libiran (Tribu), Jose Javier Reyes (Katas ng Saudi), Ave Regina S. Tayag (Tambolista), Ramon Ukit (aka Jerrold Tarog) (Confessional)

ACTRESS: Glaiza de Castro (Still Life), Ina Feleo (Endo), Cherry Pie Picache (Foster Child), Judy Ann Santos (Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo), Lorna Tolentino (Katas ng Saudi)

ACTOR: Jason Abalos (Endo), Jerrold Tarog (Confessional), Roeder Camanag (Death in the Land of Encantos), Jinggoy Estrada (Katas ng Saudi), Sid Lucero (Selda), Jiro Manio (Tambolista), Romnick Sarmenta (Prinsesa), O. G. Sacred (Tribu)

SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Malou Crisologo (Tribu), Eugene Domingo (Foster Child), Anita Linda (Tambolista), Liza Lorena (Katas ng Saudi), Ara Mina (Selda), Angela Ruiz (Tirador)

SUPPORTING ACTOR: Publio Briones III (Confessional), Benjamin Fileo (Tirador), Alcris Galura (Endo), Emilio Garcia (Selda), Sid Lucero (Tambolista), Jiro Manio (Foster Child), Coco Martin (Tambolista)

PRODUCTION DESIGN: Harley Alcasid and Deans Habal (Tirador), Armi Cacanindin (Tribu), Jhek Cogama (Endo), Lav Diaz and Dante Perez (Death in the Land of Encantos), Martin Masadao, Regie Regalado, Dante Garcia, and Endi "Hai" Balbuena (Pisay), Benjamin Padero (Foster Child), Danny Red (Selda), Baba Velasco and Vilma Velasco (Maling Akala)

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Rodolfo Aves Jr. (Kadin), Albert Banzon (Tambolista), Albert Banzon (Tribu), Jeffrey dela Cruz, Brillante Mendoza, Gary Tria and Julius Villanueva (Tirador), Odyssey Flores (Foster Child), Odyssey Flores (Selda), Larry Manda (Maling Akala), Dan Villegas (Still Life)

EDITING: Lawrence Ang (Tribu), Aleks Castaneda (Tambolista), Ray Defante Gibraltar (When Timawa Meets Delgado), Charliebebs Gohetia (Foster Child), Pats R. Ranyo (aka Jerrold Tarog) (Confessional)

MUSIC: Teresa Barrozo (Tirador), Vince de Jesus (Pisay), Francis de Veyra (Tribu), Khavn dela Cruz (Tambolista), Danny Gil (Maling Akala)

SOUND: Ditoy Aguila (Tambolista), Ditoy Aguila and Junel Valencia (Tirador), Emanuelle Clemente and Arnold Reodica (Foster Child), Mark Laccay (Tribu), Jerrold Tarog (Confessional)

SHORT FILM: Nominees be announced later.

Source: http://www.manunuri.com/

Aurora: A Double X-Rated Indie Film

Aurora, the Rosanna Roces comeback movie, has been slapped twice with an “X” rating by the MTRCB. Watch the trailer and decide for yourself if it’s an artfilm or porn.

The reviewers from the Movie Television Review and Classification Board or MTRCB ruled twice saying that the controversial rape scenes in the movie are not fit for public viewing. Director Adolfo Alix, Jr., on the other hand, stands by his cut of the film and is currently appealing the decision to Malacañang.

Alix, who also wrote the script for Aurora, was known for critically-acclaimed indie films such as Tambolista, Donsol (RP’s entry to the 2006 Oscars), Batanes and Adela.

Aurora stars Sid Lucero, Kristofer King, Angeli Bayani and Rosanna Roces. The film explores an intimate portrait of a captor and a captive as they both struggle to survive in the depths of a jungle.

A social worker named Aurora (Rosanna Roces) is kidnapped by members of the Lost Command. After a military raid in the middle of the night, she gets lost in the forest. She walks aimlessly in the thick forest, hoping to find her way out to freedom. She is found by Fadi (Sid Lucero), one of her captors. Aurora tries every way in order to run away. Will she see the break of dawn alive?

Source: http://www.starmometer.com/2009/01/07/aurora-a-double-x-rated-indie-film/

Butas (Loophole): The First Indie Film of 2009

Butas (Loophole) is a crime/mystery indie film starring Allen Dizon, Gwen Garci and Marco Morales.

Butas is about the elusiveness of truth in a crime of passion. It’s directed by Alejandro “Bong” Ramos, the one who helmed the award-winning indie film “Haw-Ang” (The Harvest).

Starring in Butas is former sexy actor Allen Dizon as the “weakling husband.” Viva Hot Babe Gwen Garci will play the role of Allen’s unfaithful wife.

Although Butas is a sexy movie, Allen does no undressing in this one. He is focused on making himself a serious actor.

“Tapos na ako sa paggawa ng sexy movie kaya pabayaan na lang ‘yan sa mga baguhan,” says Allen. “I really want to focus on having a more serious acting career.”

It’s newcomer Marco Morales (former member of SOP’s Showboys) who did all the bold scenes in Butas along with Mercedes Cabral who did full frontal nudity in “Serbis.”

Marco’s first movie role was a macho dancer in the Joel Lamangan film “Walang Kawala” where he did one scene of full frontal nudity. In “Butas”, he has no less than 12 revealing scenes showing his manhood.

Also starring in Butas are Dodie Dizon, Dinky Tibon and Froilan Moreno.

Butas (Loophole) will be screened at the Robinson’s IndieSine on January 15, 2009 with a special screening (Director’s cut) at the U.P. Cine Adarna on January 12.

Source: http://www.starmometer.com/2009/01/05/butas-loophole-the-first-indie-film-of-2009/

International Film Festival Awards Won by the Philippines in 2008

The indie films revolution in the country continue to flourish as some of these movies won awards in various international film festivals abroad. Check out our exclusive compilation for 2008.

International Film Festival Awards Won by the Philippines in 2008

14th Vesoul International Film Festival, France
Grand Prix du Jury Award
“Pisay”

14th Vesoul International Film Festival, France
Prix du Public (Audience Prize)
“Pisay”

9th Palmas de Gran Canaria Film Festival, Spain
Signis Award
“Foster Child”

58th Berlin International Film Festival, Germany
Caligari Award
“Tirador”

2008 Paris Environmental Film Festival, France
Best Film
“Foster Child”

17th Brisbane International Film Festival, Australia
NETPAC Award
“Foster Child”

65th Venice International Film Festival
Orizzonti Prize for Best Feature Film
“Melancholia”

61st Cannes International Film Festival, 2008
Official Selection
“Serbis”

21st Singapore International Film Festival
Best Film - Asian Feature Film Category
“Tirador”

21st Singapore International Film Festival
Best Director
“Brillante Mendoza”

21st Singapore International Film Festival
NETPAC Award
“Tirador”

10th Osian Cinefan Festival, India
Best Film - First Pictures Division
“Confessional”

29th Durban International Film Festival
Best Actress
“Cherry Pie Picache” - Foster Child

29th Durban International Film Festival
Best Film
“Foster Child”

6th International Pacific Meridian Film Festival, Russia
Best Director
“Dante Mendoza” - Serbis

6th International Pacific Meridian Film Festival, Russia
Best Actress
“Gina Pareño” - Serbis

35th Brussels International Film Festival, Belgium
Best Asian Film
“Brutus”

35th Brussels International Film Festival, Belgium
Best Actor
“Yul Servo” - Brutus and Torotot

Asian Festival of First Films, Singapore
Best Director
“Dante Nico Garcia” - Ploning

13th Pusan International Film Festival, South Korea
Best Short Film
“Andong”

13th Pusan International Film Festival, South Korea
KNN Audience Award
“100″

6th Bangkok International Film Festival
Golden Kinnarree Award
“Serbis”

6th Bangkok International Film Festival
Special Mention Award
“Jay”

6th Bangkok International Film Festival
Special Mention Award
“Years When I Was A Child Outside”

Best Film of All Time in Asia Pacific, CNN
“Himala”

5th Bahamas International Film Festival
Special Mention Award
“Jay”

28th Louis Vuitton Hawaii International Film Festival
NETPAC Award
“Brutus”

49th Thessaloniki International Film Festival, Greece
Best Actor
“Sid Lucero” and “Emilio Garcia” - Selda

4th Tel Aviv International Children’s Film Festival, Israel
Audience Award
“Inang Yaya”

Source: http://www.starmometer.com/2008/12/31/international-film-festival-awards-won-by-the-philippines-in-2008/

'Ploning' director wins Asian Festival award

"Ploning", the independent movie starring Judy Ann Santos, continues to reap accolades after its director, Dante Nico Garcia, won an award in the annual Asian Festival of 1st Films Wednesday.

Garcia won the best director award in the annual film fest, which saw over 600 submissions from 26 countries.

"Firaaq," told through the eyes of ordinary people after deadly communal riots in India's Gujarat in 2002, won its director Nandita Das best film, best screenplay/script and the Foreign Correspondents Association award for best film.

Das, an actress known for her roles in bold, unconventional productions, said she took three years to write a script that was continually influenced by real life events, including bombings.

Various Indian and Pakistani films were nominated for awards at the festival, but other honors went to Bosco Francis (best male actor) for Singapore's "My Magic" and China's Jia Xuhua as best actress in "The Mountain and the Song."

Female leads were nominated for their portrayals of suffering Asian women, from transvestites in Iran's "Khastegi" (Sex My Life) to a sexual predator wearing painfully tight outfits in South Korea's "Miss Gold Digger."

Source: http://perfect10movies.blogspot.com/2008/12/ploning-director-wins-asian-festival.html

ABS-CBN, suportado ang Ploning!

KA-CHAT namin kahapon sa YM (Yahoo! Messenger) si Direk Dante Nico Garcia (direktor ng Ploning) na kasaluluyang nasa Singapore para sa Asian Festival of First Films.

Kalahok ang Plo*ning sa nasabing filmfest at nominado itong Best Film, Best Director at Best Screenplay.

Hindi na makakadalo si Direk Ga (palayaw ni Direk Dante) sa awards night sa Singapore sa Dis*yembre 10 dahil after ng screening ng Ploning sa Disyembre 9 ay lilipad na siya pa-Los Angeles para sa gagawin nilang Oscar campaign sa Amerika.

Kinumusta namin kay Direk Ga ang katatapos na Plato Para Kay Ploning fundraiser na inorganisa nila ni Judy Ann Santos. Ayon kay Ga ay bongga ang turnout ng nasabing charity dinner.

Umaasa silang aabot sa P2M ang kikitain sa dinner plates at auction ng art pieces at mukhang nasa ganu’ng halaga ang kanilang malilikom.

Kinukwenta pa raw ito ngayon dahil ang ibang income ay manggagaling sa sales ng ABS-CBN, tapos ay may percentage din ang mga nag-donate na artist kaya wala pang final breakdown.

In fairness sa ABS-CBN, bukod sa binigay nitong libreng venue (Rockwell Tent), lahat ng kinita sa social ball ay diretso sa Ploning funds.

Kikita lang daw ang Dos sa sales ng commercial spots sa airing ng nasabing event (na wala pang final date kung kelan ipapa*labas).

Ang ganda rin daw ng show nu’ng gabing ‘yon, sabi ni Direk Ga. Kasama sa mga nag-perform sina Martin Nievera, Ogie Alcasid, Sa*rah Geronimo, Richard Poon, Aiza Seguerra, Nina, Sitti, PDA Season 2 Scholars at Arnel Pineda ng Journey.

Source: http://www.pinoyexchange.com/forums/showthread.php?s=bcf84747fa72c7945aea7a3fde1a6aea&t=374804