‘Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino’ kicks off today

Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (Photo by FDCP_PPP/Facebook)

The “Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino” opened today and will take center stage 12 high quality curated Filipino films which will be screened in around 790 theaters nationwide in celebration of the Buwan ng Wika and Philippine cinema.

Organized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) headed by Liza Diño-Seguerra, the film festival aims to promote locally-produced movies. It will cover genres such as romance, thriller, comedy, satire, action, horror, and thriller, and will run from August 16 to 22.

“I cannot tell you how ecstatic and proud I am that August has finally come where we can showcase 12 films of high quality which offers a different kind of storytelling with a familiar charm of what Filipino audience have grown to watch and love,” Diño- Seguerra said on July 26.

She added part of the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino and FDCP’s advocacy is to raise awareness against film piracy.

“Marami na pong namatay na mga opportunities para po sa atin because of piracy and it affects Philippine film workers who have dedicated blood, sweat, and tears into each and every film,” she said.

The films were handpicked by the selection committee composed of Diño-Seguerra, Ricky Lee, Jose Javier Reyes, Erik Matti, Iza Calzado, Oggs Cruz, Manet Dayrit and Lee Briones.

They are as follows:

• “100 Tula Para Kay Stella” of Viva, directed by Jason Paul Laxamana, starring JC Santos, and Bela Padilla
• “Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B”, directed by Prime Cruz, starring Ryza Cenon and Martin del Rosario
• “AWOL” by Skylight and Star Cinema, directed by Enzo Williams, starting Gerald Anderson, Dianne Medina, and Bembol Roco
• “Bar Boys” by Kip Oebanda under Tropic Frills, starring Carlo Aquino, Rocco Nacino, Enzo Pineda, Kean Cipriano, and Odette Khan
• “Birdshot” by TBA Studios, directed by Mikhail Red, starting Arnold Reyes, Mary Joy Apostol, Ku Aquino, and John Arcilla
• “Hamog” by Cinema One, directed by Ralston Jover, starring Zaijan Jaranilla, and Therese Malvar
• “Paglipay”, directed by Zig Dulay from ToFarm, starring Garry Cabalic, Joan dela Cruz, and Anna Luna
• “Patay Na si Hesus” from T-Rex Entertainment Productions, directed by Victor Villanueva, starring Jaclyn Jose, Chai Fonacier, Vincent Viado, Mailes Kanapi, Melde Montanez; Sheenly Gener, and Olive Nieto
• “Pauwi Na” which just recently won Golden Goblet in the Shanghai International Film Festival, directed by Paolo Villaluna, starring Bembol Roco, Cherry Pie Picache, Meryll Soriano, Jerald Napoles, Jess Mendoza, and Chai Fonacier
• “Salvage” from Cinema One directed by Sherad Sanchez starring Jessy Mendiola, and JC de Vera
• “Star Na Si Van Damme Stallone” from Unitel and Straight Shooters directed by Randolph Longjas, starring Paolo Pingol, Candy Pangilinan, Sarah Brakensiek, and Ebong Joson
• “Triptiko” directed by Miguel Michelena, produced by Michelena Brothers starring Albie Casiño, Joseph Marco, Kean Cipriano, and Kylie Padilla

No international movies will be shown in partner cinemas during the week-long film festival.