RP Films make history in Cannes: 4 are in!

RP films make history at Cannes: 4 are in

By Bayani San Diego Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Posted date: April 24, 2009

MANILA, Philippines—Four Filipino films have been included in the official lineup of the 62nd Cannes International Film Festival, a first for the country.

This “historic” development was confirmed by three filmmakers whose films were chosen as entries in the world’s premier movie festival that will take place on May 13-14 in the French coastal city.

Three independent films made it to the Official Selection, in three different categories: Brillante Mendoza’s “Kinatay (The Execution of P)” in the Main Competition; Raya Martin’s “Independencia” in the Un Certain Regard section; and Raya Martin and Adolfo Alix Jr.’s “Manila” in the Special Screenings category.

“Sabongero,” by Filipino-American Janice Y. Perez, was selected for the Short Film Corner.

There were unconfirmed reports that Filipino films would also compete in the fest’s parallel section, the Directors’ Fortnight, as in the past two years.

“It’s an exciting year for the Philippines,” said Mendoza, who added that the inclusion of the four entries bode well for local cinema.

Mendoza is staging a comeback in the Main Competition, after his entry “Serbis” stirred controversy last year.

“Kinatay,” his entry this year is “equally controversial” and delves into the world of hitmen who cut up the bodies of their victims, said Mendoza. The film features Coco Martin, John Regala, Julio Diaz, Jhong Hilario, Lauren Novero and Maria Isabel Lopez.

“I believe it’s the first time for an Asian filmmaker to submit entries in the Main Competition for two consecutive years. US filmmaker Joel Coen also had back-to-back entries in the competition in 2000 and 2001,” Mendoza told the Inquirer.

Does Mendoza consider his return to the competition a way to vindicate himself after last year’s intrigues and negative reviews?

“I feel no pressure. I try not to worry about those things and I only focus on making my film,” he said.

Masterfully directed

Mendoza recalled that when programming head Christian Jeune relayed the news that his entry had made it, the festival officer said: “I remember calling you the same time last year.”

In an e-mail, Jeune told Mendoza that he was “fascinated by the long night (depicted in the movie) … we were drawn into it. It’s masterfully directed.”

It is also Martin’s second year in a row at Cannes. Last year, Martin’s “Now Showing” was screened at the Directors’ Fortnight.

“Independencia” is the country’s first entry to Un Certain Regard, considered the fest’s “more experimental and adventurous” section, according to Martin. “I hope this proves that the world’s current interest in Filipino films is not just a fad,” Martin said. “We’re not just the flavor of the month. We can compete in the global arena.”

A historical drama set during the American Occupation, “Independencia,” which topbills Tetchie Agbayani, Sid Lucero, Mika Aguilos and Alessandra de Rossi, received grants from Germany, the Netherlands, France and the United States.

French co-producer Antoine Segovia of Atopic Films described it as an “international Filipino film. It tells a story that’s specific and universal at the same time. It’s about freedom.”

Martin told the Inquirer that his inclusion in the Cannes lineup came as a surprise. “We were nervous when we heard that major filmmakers like Pedro Almodovar, Ang Lee, Lars von Trier and Quentin Tarantino had entries,” he said.

The film’s Filipino producer, Arleen Cuevas, agreed: “From Asia alone, there were a lot of strong contenders: Korea’s Park Chan-wook, Taiwan’s Tsai Ming-liang and Japan’s Hirokazu Kore-Eda.”

Jeune told Martin that “the treatment of images [in the film] is one of the most sensual I’ve seen in years.”

Familiarity

“In the past, foreigners we met were not familiar with Filipino movies. But now when we attend film markets abroad, the Philippines is known as a participant in big festivals,” said Cuevas who also produced “Manila.”

“Manila,” which Martin co-directed with Alix, is a twin bill tribute to filmmakers and National Artists Lino Brocka and Ishmael Bernal, and is produced by lead actor Piolo Pascual.

When Alix learned of the film’s inclusion in the Special Screenings section yesterday, he called Pascual. The actor later said he was “happy and excited” that his first venture as a producer was selected as an entry in the Cannes fest.

In spite of his busy schedule, Pascual said he was considering attending the festival. “It’s important for me to be there because it’ll be the film’s world premiere,” he said.

“It’s a good time again for Filipino films,” Alix said. “For the past five years, doors have been opening abroad. My only hope is that Filipino audiences would start watching and appreciating local independent films as well.”