Film Title:
Brutus
Ang Paglalakbay

Writer & Director:
Tara Illenberger

Synopsis:
    In the provinces, the name “Brutus” is known popularly as a motor used in agriculturally-related work. Manufactured by Kawasaki, it is said to be one of the most powerful engines employed to transport heavy load.

    In Mindoro, where some of the last few remaining patches of rainforests still stand, the term “Brutus” takes on a different meaning. Home to the ethnic group of the Mangyan, the lush, malaria-infested mountains of Mindoro is also a stronghold of the NPAs; a virtual last frontier slowly being obliterated by illegal logging.

    Operating discreetly, the loggers forego the use of large transport equipment that could cut deep into the forests to bring the wood to the lowlands. Instead, the loggers employ juvenile (teenagers) labor. These kids, oftentimes Mangyans, haul the boards up and down the mountains, out from the forests until they reach a river, the fastest route leading to the town. Paid a meager sum and using only brute force, these workers are locally called “Brutus”, human machines driven by poverty to engage in this abusive labor system.

    Upon reaching the river, the “Brutuses” hide the wood under long bamboo rafts, floating them for as long as five days through dangerous rapids, moving usually at night to avoid being caught, ensuring that the cargo would be in tact for the middlemen awaiting them.

    This movie is about two kids who become “Brutus”. One is out to search for another “Brutus” brother who has never returned to their mountain village. The other is hoping to buy a cure after his father succumbs to malaria—but both desperately needing to earn extra to help their families.

    The kids traverse the stunning but harsh topography of Mindoro, trudging through mountains, braving raging currents, enduring typhoons and natural dangers, all the while avoiding crossing paths with their greatest fear of all: MAN. Man, the forest ranger; man, the communist rebel; man, the armed military.

    This movie is about a journey that opens the eyes of these mountain children to a ‘world’ that is ruled by greed and torn by the political conflicts.

Cast:
Ronnie Lazaro
Timothy Mabalot
Rhea Medina
and
Yul Servo

with

Jim Bergado
Flordeliz Salanga
Melario Nazareno
Jerey Aguilar
Yaom Sumbad
Mandy Sumbad
Lagtum Pasag
Yagum Maansig Solina

Production by:
Cinemalaya Foundation
Bonfire Productions
National Commission for Culture and the Arts
Film Development Council of the Philippines
Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation
Roadrunner Network, Inc.

Details:
Running time: ---

Sreening:

• 13 July/Sun, 9:00PM, Bulwangang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
• 15 July/Tue, 9:00PM, Tanghalang Huseng Batute
• 16 July/Wed, 3:30PM, Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
• 18 July/Fri, 9:00PM, Bulwangang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
• 19 July/Sat, 6:15PM (GALA), Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
• 20 July/Sun, 3:30PM, Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre)

Trailer:

Brutus Tara Illenberger

Synopsis

Cast & Crew

Photos

Trailer

Screening

Website:
www.brutusthemovie.com