Lav Diaz and Why Indie Cinema Deserves More

Indie Cinema and the Metaphor of Knowing Real Value
by Reymundo Salao

Those who have some knowledge about Philippine cinema must know who Lav Diaz is. Perhaps one may not have seen one of his movies, but surely one should have heard about him. He's that Filipino filmmaker who makes these long epic movies that have won numerous awards in international film festivals. Just last month, Lav Diaz took home the prestigious Golden Leopard for best film for “From What Is Before” (Mula sa kung ano ang noon). On the other hand of the tale, it's quite sad that even after he and his crew brought the biggest honor the country has received so far in an A-list film festival, there was no hero's welcome or parade to celebrate their victory when they arrived back. [hit the jump to continue]

THIS IS NOT THE END Screening Postponed at the Last Minute

THIS IS NOT THE END INDEED!
It looks like another case of a movie being re-scheduled at the very last minute, causing everybody who's planning to watch the movie get blueballs. The movie THIS IS THE END was initially originally scheduled for a July 17 release here in the Philippines. But then it was later re-scheduled to July 31. Now, we all got surprised to find the movie NOT opening anywhere in the Philippines this week. Word spread that the film was re-scheduled to September 11. [hit the jump to continue]

BOSES to Finally Open in Local Theaters

After a 5-year journey to local and international film festivals, BOSES comes to mainstream commercial local screenings, specifically SM Cinema (including Iloilo) on July 31, 2013. BOSES (Voices) is directed by Ellen Ongkeko Marfil (who also directed MGA PUSANG GALA, and ANGELS), and written by Froilan Medina and Rody Vera. The cast includes Julian Duque, Coke Bolipata, Ricky Davao, Meryll Soriano, Cherry Pie Picache. [more data after the jump]

Erik Matti's ON THE JOB is Jury's Choice in Korean Filmfest

Filipino Cinema has once again scored a success, this time at the 17th Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival in South Korea last week, with Erik Matti’s indie movie “On the Job” which won the Jury’s Choice; while lead star Joel Torre, won Best Actor. “On the Job” was also an entry in the Directors’ Fortnight of this year’s Cannes fest in France last May.

ON THE JOB is scheduled to have a commercial release in local cinemas on Aug. 28. No information as of yet if the movie is scheduled to reach Iloilo theaters.

Farewell, Sammy Lagmay

Comedian Sammy Lagmay passed away on Wednesday afternoon due to complications brought about by diabetes, his sister Mylene Mariano told the Philippine Daily Inquirer. He was 55.

A former production office messenger, the funny man was discovered and became a mainstay on the 1980s sitcom “Chicks to Chicks” on IBC 13/IBC Channel 12.

He often played the put-upon sidekick in several sitcoms (“Abangan ang Susunod na Kabanata,” “George and Cecil”) and movies (“Bala at Lipstick,” “My Monster Mom”) and also worked as assistant director on ABS-CBN shows (“That’s My Doc,” “Okay Fine Whatever”). [article continued after the jump]

Farewell, Bella Flores

Showbiz's queen villainess Bella Flores died at 84
Bella Flores, the iconic actress known for her villainess roles in movies and in television, died at 1:27 a.m., May 19. She was 84. Flores, whose real name is Remedios Papa Dancel, was declared dead at the Quezon City General Hospital where she was rushed after she complained that she couldn't breathe.

Imelda Papin, a friend of the actress, said that when they rushed Flores to the hospital, the latter was still breathing. Papin said doctors tried but failed to revive Flores three times. Papin said that Flores' daughter Ruby Arcilla called her up to say that her mother's blood pressure had gone down. It was at that point that they rushed the veteran actress to the hospital, but to no avail.

Flores' first movie was Balaraw which was shown in 1950. Her first big break was with Sampaguita Pictures, who gave her a four-year contract and a role in the move Roberta (1951). In the movie, she played the role of a cruel stepmother to then child actors Tessie Agana and Boy Alano. That role set the path and typecasted Flores as villainess in almost all projects she would undertook later on.

Graceland is Now Showing in Selected US Cities

SYOWING OVERSEAS: GRACELAND

After screenings in Miami, Los Angeles, San Diego, New York and Austin theaters, Filipino-American Ron Morales’ second film, “Graceland,” is showing in other US key cities. It will be shown at the Magic Lantern Theater in Spokane, Washington from May 9 to May 16, at ; and from May 17 to 23, at Grand Illusion in Seattle, Washington.

It follows a driver (Arnold Reyes) out to save his daughter (Ella Guevara) from a kidnapper (Leon Miguel) out to settle old scores with the hapless driver’s boss, a corrupt politician (Menggie Cobarubbias).

[CHECK OUT THE FULL ARTICLE AT INQUIRER]

New Ilonggo Film "Pangyaw" Coming Soon

Ronny Poblacion, the director of the Ilonggo indie film "Beadworks" has recently revealed in his facebook page posters and minor details for his new movie entitled "Pangyaw"

"PANGYAW" is a romantic comedy, culture and historical Ilonggo film by Ronny Poblacion, partly shot in Hongkong. The film was shot in various locations which included Morisson Hill, Wanchai where Marcela Agoncillo had sewn the Philippine Flag. "Pangyaw" is for international release with the participation of OFW and the Philippine consulate. The official release date is yet to be announced.

Hunter X Hunter: Phantom Rouge Set for Exclusive Release at SM Cinemas

Following the success of SM Cinema's release of the One Piece anime movie exclusively, SM Cinema is once again set to show another anime movie. This time it's the anime movie HUNTER X HUNTER: PHANTOM ROUGE and it is set for release in local theaters: May 15, 2013 Wednesday [read the rest of the article after the jump]

Updated: Evil Dead will Not be Shown in Iloilo at all

I just received TERRIBLE news about this movie. EVIL DEAD will not be shown in Robinson's Movieworld. The previous news for this says that it will not be shown in SM Cinema as well because of their R-18 policy. Columbia Pictures Philippines has stated that the screening of this movie will only be for Ayala Cinemas, and so because there's no Ayala Cinema in Iloilo.... Basically, EVIL DEAD will not be shown in Iloilo at all. Wow. This does really encourage us all to resort to torrents, doesn't it? [READ THE FULL ARTICLE]

Ping Lacson receives 7 Million Peso Royalty for a Movie about his time as a fugitive

Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson was paid 7 Million Pesos as royalty and rights to a movie about his life as a fugitive three years ago. It would be remembered that in 2010, a warrant of arrest was issued against him  for the double murder of publicist Salvador “Bubby” Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito. He disappeared and became a fugitive that time, and only resurfaced 2011 after the Court of Appeals voided the warrant. Lacson is mum about who, or what production company paid for the royalty. [hit the jump for the full article]

Yam Laranas is back with "The Road"

Yam Laranas returns with the movie "The Road". The cast includes Jacklyn Jose, John Regala, Marvin Agustin, Allan Paule, Barbie Forteza, Carmina Villaroel, Rhian Ramos, TJ Trinidad, Alden Richards, Wendell Ramos, and with Laranas writing the screenplay alongside Aloy Adlawan, this project has the markings of what should have been the proper follow-up to Laranas' first hit "Sigaw"

The story goes: when three teens disappeared in an abandoned road, the investigation to search for them led to the reopening of a twelve-year-old case. And as the investigation grew further, deep into deep dark secrets, it is revealed that the road is haunted by a brutal crime that occured almost thirty years ago.

"The Road" is set to be released this November 30, 2011.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE

Check Out the Trailer for THE ROAD: