The 10th Cinemanila International Film Festival runs from October 16-29 at Gateway Cineplex 10, Araneta Center. Aptly so, the biggest draw this edition are the films themselves. Cinemanila has put together an impressive line-up that boasts of the toast of Cannes, the much heralded in Venice and the grand winners from some of the major international film festivals. The best films from over 35 countries all over the world are also in full force.
Opening the festival is Sparrow, the latest offering from Hong Kong’s master of cult Johnny To. The film premiered at the recent Berlin Film Festival where it was also selected in competition.
In the International Category, Lav Diaz’s winning opus at Venice’s Orrizonti section, Melancholia, competes for the Brocka Award with other critically praised films from Australia (Lucky Miles), Israel (Band’s Visit), Iran (Night Bus), Iceland/USA/ Philippines (Truth About Queen Raquela), Japan (United Red Army) and even Russia (Vanished Empire).
The Southeast Asia Competition is likewise as tough. The Philippines’ Adela has to face off with the likes of Indonesia’s Blind Pig Who Wants to Fly. The latter is incidentally the winner of last year’s Boracay Co-production Meeting. Also in the running are choice picks from Malaysia (Flower in the Pocket), Thailand (Love of Siam), Singapore (12 Lotus) and Indonesia (The Photograph).
Perhaps the crowning jewel of this year’s festival, the Tribute to Quinzaine des Réalisateurs Section features films that have been given the honor to be screened at the Directors’ Fortnight of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.
Da Huang Pictures is also given the spotlight in recognition of its major contributions to the development of independent filmmaking in Malaysia. To be screened are some selected works from the group’s esteemed roster of talents like Tan Chui Mui and James Lee.
On the other hand, Cinemanila pays tribute to Australia in the Dreams From Down Under section. To look out for is the engaging Lucky Miles starring Fil-Am sensation Kenneth Moreleda. Morelada earlier starred with Cesar Montano in Miramax’s The Great Raid.
This year, earning the honor of being Director in Focus is Brillante Mendoza whose string of award-winning films ushered in a renaissance in local filmmaking. A retrospective of his films will be presented as a special part of the festival.
Always a highlight in every edition of Cinemanila, this year’s Digital Lokal prides itself with entries from six of the most recognized names in Filipino digital filmmaking Raya Martin, Ato Bautista, Briccio Santos, Sherad Anthony Sanchez, CJ Andaluz and Paolo Herras. And speaking of local filmmaking, the next wave of Filipino filmmakers is recognized at the Young Cinema Section where nine short films will vie for the Ishmael Bernal Prize.
Closing the festival is the immortal classic Bayan Ko: Kapit sa Patalim by the great Lino Brocka. Aside from the films in competition, almost a hundred films will be in exhibition showcasing the best of world cinema. Documentaries will also be presented as well as master classes that will be conducted by only the very best in industry.
Dekada Cinemanila will run from October 16-29 at Gateway Cineplex 10, Araneta Center, Quezon City. It is presented by the Independent Cinema Association of the Philippines (ICAP), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP). And is supported by Gateway Cineplex 10, the Official Festival Venue, Screen Australia and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and Philippine Airlines.
The 10th Cinemanila International Film Festival is also made possible by Cinema One and ABS-CBN, TBWA, Business World and Manila Bulletin, Solid Video, Scenema Concept International, Rene Barbier Wines, Orion Chocopie and Mike & Ike candies, NU 107, XFM 92.3 Clickthecity. com and PEP.ph. Special thanks to the Office of the President, PAGCOR, PCSO and the Department of Tourism.
