Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP) marked its third year as The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) presented “PPP2019” and launched its full set of films, last July 11, 2019.
This includes seven films from the official selection, 10 competing films from the Sine Kabataan short film competition, and 3 films from Sandaan Feature Film Showcase. As part of the week-long celebration of Philippine cinema, these Filipino films will be screened in cinemas nationwide for the whole week starting September 13 to 19, 2019.
Pamilya, Pagka- kaibigan at Pag- ibig (Family, Friendship and Love) is the official theme of PPP2019. FDCP Chairperson Liza Dino emphasized during her opening speech at the launch that these three values form part of the core trope that is present in every Filipino film.
This year is also very memorable for the organization as it celebrates 100 years of Philippine Cinema. The fulfillment of PPP for its third year became markedly special because together with the celebration of the centennial year of the Philippine Cinema, the FDCP vowed to make more policies that will support the rights of Filipino filmmakers.
Finalists for Sine Kabataan short film competition were also announced during the launch. The Entries are from the creative minds of young Filipino filmmakers from different regions in the country. These shorts will be screened as a set together with an entry from the official selection category. This just goes to show that the future of Philippine cinema is in good hands.
The films on the main competition were meticulously curated by the prominent members of the selection committee. Direk Jose Javier Reyes, Direk Carlito Siguion- Reyna, Direk Sheron Dayoc, Lee Briones, and Manet Dayrit must have been in a tough position to choose the best among all the pitches. Here is the line-up for the official selection category of Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino:
The Panti Sisters
Directed by: Jun Robles Lana
Starring: Paolo Ballesteros, Christian Bables, and Martin Del Rosario
Jun Robles Lana, Paolo Ballesteros, Christian Bables, and Martin Del Rosario join forces in this official film entry for Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino 2019. The prominent director once again tackles issues within the LGBT community.
Lana, Ballesteros, and Bables have already worked together in the award-winning film, “Die Beautiful”, while Martin Del Rosario had played the role of “Barbs” in Percy Intalan’s sequel of Die Beautiful, “Born Beautiful”.
Cuddle Weather
Directed by: Rod Marmol
Starring: Sue Ramirez and RK Bagatsing
Direk Rod Marmol is grateful to his lead actors, Sue Ramirez and RK Bagatsing for pushing their limits in the most honest way possible. Cuddle Weather narrates the mentee-mentor relationship of an experienced pleasure worker to a newbie call boy.
In this film, the director gave a different interpretation to the word “Pok Pok” (Slut) breaking its negative connotation. Moreover, it emphasizes that if the term means using one’s body to provide for the needs then, everyone should be called Pokpok.
LSS
Directed by: Jade Castro
Starring: Gabbi Garcia and Khalil Ramos, and introducing Ben and Ben
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKTQfok1q3s
LSS is a film about chasing one’s dream and pursuing the seemingly endless journey of finding a companion. The film will not only feature Ben and Ben’s newest song but it will also introduce the band to their first acting stint!
G!
Directed by: Dondon Santos
Starring: Mccoy De Leon, Jameson Blake, Paulo Angeles, Mark Oblea, and Kira Balinger
This film by Dondon Santos will give off different energy as its cast is made up of a roster of fresh talents. G! will feature the experiences of individuals who form part of Generation Z. The movie will also give an in-depth understanding to the context of YOLO and why more people should take courage and live the life to the fullest.
I’m Ellenya L.
Directed by: Boy 2 Quizon
Starring: Maris Racal and Inigo Pascual
In his debut film as director, Boy 2 Quizon brings to life the story of Ellenya L., an aspiring vlogger-influencer who aspires to make her career dreams come true.
This movie also marks the first team-up of the lead actors, Maris Racal and Inigo Pascual in a feature film.
Open
Directed by: Andoy Ranay
Starring: RC Munoz and Jc Santos
As Jc Santos’ third film for Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino, Open by Andoy Ranay will tell the epic story of two long-time lovers as they decide to make their set- up “open” in an effort to save their relationship.
Watch Me Kill
Directed by: Tyrone Arcierto
Starring: Jean Garcia, Jay Manalo, and Junyka Santarin
Watch me Kill by Direk Tyrone Arcierto is a high-sounding film of redemption when a hired serial killer saved a girl in an unforeseen turn of event after she accomplished her mission to murder a man that she was asked to kill. The film stars Jean Garcia, Jay Manalo and Junyka Santarin.
There are also 3 films from the Sandaan feature film showcase. The line up includes, Circa, directed by Adolf Alix Jr.; Lola Igna, a film by Eduardo Roy Jr.; and Pagbalik (Return), co-directed by Hubert Tibi and Maria Ranillo. The cast of the films are composed of prominent names and institutions in Philippine cinema.
Celebrate 100 years of Philippines Cinema with Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino 2019 happening from September 13 to 19, 2019.
InqPOP! Staff/ Mav Maniulit/ FM