This year, an incredible lineup of six Filipino films will be screened competing in the 2018 edition of the New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) beginning on June 29, 2018. This is double the number of competing Filipino features last year.
For years, NYAFF has brought pieces of Philippine cinema to the West, opening the minds and captivating the senses of the Western audience with our own cinematic vision.
The following six (6) Filipino films be represented in NFYAFF – BuyBust directed by Erik Matti, Neomanila directed by Mikhail Red, On the Job directed by Erik Matti, Respeto directed by Treb Monteras II, Sid & Aya (Not a Love Story) directed by Irene Villamor, and We Will Not Die Tonight by Richard Somes.
Three (3) films have already earned nominations, and received accolades from prominent award-giving bodies in the Philippines, as well as other countries, namely Neomanila, On the Job, and Respeto – all of which illustrate the Philippines in an engrossing manner that sees artistic integrity drawing power from realism and grit.
Meanwhile, BuyBust, an action-thriller will make its world premiere at NYFF, giving the world a first look at esteemed filmmaker Erik Matti’s hotly anticipated action film alongside Richard Somes’ explosive genre piece, We Will Not Die Tonight, which will also be having its world premiere at the said event. On the other hand, Sid & Aya (Not A Love Story) has received positive reviews from film critics all over the Philippines where it was praised for its non-conformity to conventions, and a captivating allure brought about by Irene Villamor’s filmmaking.
Representatives of the Filipino films will be supported by the FDCP’s International Film Festival Assistance Program (IFFAP), including Gawad Urian Best Actor, Abra of Respeto, producer Dondon Monteverde and directors Richard Somes, Treb Monteras II and Erik Matti.
“All around the world, Filipino films continue to compete and be recognized by the most prestigious of film festivals and we are proud that NYAFF is doing its part in introducing Filipino Films – genre Filipino films especially – to the North American audience. We hope that this is the first step for more of our films to be recognized and distributed in that side of the world. We wish our delegates the best of luck,” said Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño.
The 17th New York Asian Film Festival in New York City, USA runs from June 29, 2018 to July 15, 2018.
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Filipino Films at NYAFF
BuyBust (World Premiere)
Year released: 2018
Director: Erik Matti
Starring: Anne Curtis, Brandon Vera
Premise:
“Rookie police officer Nina Manigan (Anne Curtis) joins an anti-narcotic elite squad, whose mission is to conduct a buy-bust operation in the slums of Manila.”
Neomanila (New York Premiere)
Year Released: 2017
Director: Mikhail Red
Starring: Eula Valdes, Timothy Castillo, Rocky Salumbides, Jess Mendoza
Accolades Received:
Winner of Gawad Urian Awards 2018 – Best Cinematography (Mycko David)
Winner of QCinema International Film Festival 2017 Audience Choice Award – Circle Competition (Mikhail Red)
Winner of QCinema International Film Festival 2017 Pylon Award – Best Artistic Achievement (Mycko David)
Winner of The Eddys Awards 2018 – Best Director
Synopsis:
“Toto, a teenage orphan, is recruited by a notorious death squad. Irma, the groups leader, soon becomes a maternal figure to the young boy. As the two form a familial bond, their loyalties will be put to the test when one of their targets turns out to be a familiar face.”
On the Job
Year Released: 2013
Director: Erik Matti
Starring: Piolo Pascual, Gerald Anderson, Joel Torre, Joey Marquez, Michael de Mesa, Leo Martinez, Angel Aquino, Shaina Magdayao, Vivian Velez
Accolades Received:
Winner of FAMAS Awards 2014 – Best Picture
Winner of FAMAS Awards 2014 – Best Director (Erik Matti)
Winner of FAMAS Awards 2014 – Best Screenplay (Erik Matti, Michiko Yamamoto)
Winner of FAMAS Awards 2014 – Best Editing (Jay Halili)
Winner of FAMAS Awards 2014 – Best Story (Michiko Yamamoto, Erik Matti)
Winner of FAMAS Awards 2014 – Best Sound (Corinne De San Jose)
Winner of Gawad Urian Awards 2014 – Best Actor (Joel Torre)
Winner of Gawad Urian Awards 2014 – Best Sound (Corinne De San Jose)
Winner of Golden Screen Awards, Philippines 2014 – Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Drama) (Joel Torre)
Winner of Golden Screen Awards, Philippines 2014 – Best Original Story (Erik Matti)
Winner of Golden Screen Awards, Philippines 2014 – Best Visual/Special Effects (Dave Yu, Miguel Javier)
Winner of Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival 2013 – Best Actor (Joel Torre)
Winner of Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival 2013 – Jury’s Choice Award (Feature Film) (Erik Matti)
Winner of Star Awards for Movies 2014 – Movie of the Year
Winner of Star Awards for Movies 2014 – Movie Director of the Year (Erik Matti)
Winner of Star Awards for Movies 2014 – Movie Cinematographer of the Year (Dix Buhay)
Winner of Star Awards for Movies 2014 – Movie Editor of the Year (Jay Halili)
Winner of Star Awards for Movies 2014 – Movie Sound Engineer of the Year (Corinne De San Jose)
Winner of Star Awards for Movies 2014 – Movie Screenwriter of the Year (Erik Matti, Michiko Yamamoto)
Winner of Star Awards for Movies 2014 – Movie Supporting Actor of the Year (Joey Marquez)
Synopsis: “On the Job is a Filipino crime thriller inspired by a real-life scandal in which prison inmates are temporarily released from prison to work as contract killers on behalf of politicians and high ranking military officials.”
Respeto (North American Premiere)
Year Released: 2017
Director: Treb Monteras II
Starring: Abra (Raymond Abracosa), Loonie (Marlon Peroramas), Dido de la Paz, Chai Fonacier
Accolades Received:
Winner of FAMAS Awards 2018 – Grand Jury Prize, Best Picture (Treb Monteras II)
Winner of FAMAS Awards 2018 – Best Musical Score (Jay Durias)
Winner of Gawad Urian Awards 2018 – Best Actor (Abra)
Winner of Gawad Urian Awards 2018 – Best Supporting Actor (Dido de la Paz)
Winner of Gawad Urian Awards 2018 – Best Editing (Lawrence Ang)
Winner of Gawad Urian Awards 2018 – Best Sound (Corrine De San Jose)
Winner of Cyprus Film Days International Festival 2018 – Glocal Images, Audience Award (Treb Monteras II) (Feature Film), (Arkeofilms) (Production)
Winner of Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival 2017 – Audience Award, Main Competition (Treb Monteras II)
Winner of Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival 2017 – Balanghai Trophy, Best Film (Treb Monteras II)
Winner of Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival 2017 – Balanghai Trophy, Best Sound (Corrine De San Jose)
Winner of Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival 2017 – Balanghai Trophy, Best Editing (Lawrence Ang)
Winner of Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival 2017 – Balanghai Trophy, Best Cinematography (Ike Avellana) (Tied with TM Malones for ‘Baconaua‘)
Winner of Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival 2017 – Balanghai Trophy, Best Supporting Actor (Dido de la Paz)
Winner at The Eddys Awards 2018 – Best Film , Best Supporting Actor (Dido de La Paz), Best Supporting Actress (Chai Fonacier),Best Musical Score, Best Sound Design, Best Original Themesong
Premise: “A poor aspiring rapper befriends an older poet after vandalizing his bookstore.”
Sid & Aya (Not a Love Story) (New York Premiere)
Year Released: 2018
Director: Irene Villamor
Starring: Anne Curtis, Dingdong Dantes
Premise:
“Sid & Aya (Not a Love Story) follows Sid who suffers from insomnia and meets Aya who he hires to accompany him in his sleepless nights.”
We Will Not Die Tonight (World Premiere)
Year Released: 2018
Director: Richard Somes
Starring: Erich Gonzales, Alex Medina, Thou Reyes, Nico Dans, Max Eigenmann, Paolo Paraiso
Synopsis:
“Kray (Erich Gonzales) is a stuntwoman, an aspiring actress, and all-around racketeer who can’t seem to get a break. A botched deal gone into a total haywire will challenge her principles and her skillset.
