Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — A week-long screening of all-Filipino films will kick off in cinemas nationwide on Wednesday.
Twelve high-quality curated local films will dominate over 700 theaters from August 16 to 22. The handpicked films cover interesting genres such as romance, thriller, comedy, satire, action, horror, and thriller, among others.
The 12 film entries 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 Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino.
Film Development Council (FDCP) said the following cinemas participated in their initiative: Ayala Malls cinemas, Cash and Carry cinemas; Century cinemas; Cinema 2000, Commerce Center Alabang, Eastwood cinemas, Festival cinemas, Fisher Box Office, all Gaisano cinemas in the provinces, Gateway, Ali Mall cinemas, KCC cinemas, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, NCCC cinemas, Power Plant cinemas, Promenade Greenhills, Robinsons Movieworld, Shang Cineplex, SM Cinemas, Sta. Lucia cinemas, Starmall and Vista cinemas, and Walter Mart cinemas.
The movies were chosen by the FDCP in line with the celebration of Buwan ng Wika.
“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,” FDCP Chairperson Liza Diño 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.
