Brillante Mendoza, Wilson Tieng offer new venue for indie films

MANILA, Philippines — Internationally acclaimed film director Brilliante Mendoza and Solar Entertainment CEO Wilson Tieng worked together to launch a new local film festival Sinag Maynila.

The film festival is "special" to Mendoza, who hopes the project would mark in film goers' and the industry's consciousness.

"[I hope] magiging magaganda ang pelikula and of course ang relationship namin with the film makers, that's also very important. Kasi it will set the standard sa mga darating na pelikula at gagawin na pelikula," Mendoza said.

For its first year, Sinag Maynila will feature five films: "Balut Country" by Paul Sta. Ana, "Bambanti" by Zig Dulay, "Imbisibol" by Lawrence Fajardo, "Ninja Party" by Jim Libiran, and "Swap" by Rempton Zuasola.

The five films were chosen due to themes carrying "very strong social issues," Mendoza said.

"'Yong ibang films may mga advocacy. So I think that's one of the major considerations kung bakit napili itong mga kuwentong ito," he added.

The films will screening from March 18 to 24, with a daily rotation schedule in SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, SM Manila, SM Fairview, SM Southmall, SM Mall of Asia and SM Aura Premier.

The awards night, meanwhile, will be held on March 21 at the SM Aura Premier.

Balut Country

Directed by: Paul Sta. Ana
Written by: Paul Sta. Ana
Cast: Rocco Nacino, Ronnie Quizon, Angela Cortez, Nanette Inventor
and Vincent Magbanua
Also starring: Archi Adamos, Jelson Bay, Leo Sarmiento, and Denise Jewel Alfonso

Synopsis: Jun, an heir to the duck farm left to him by his late father, must decide whether to sell the property to secure a future with his partner, or spare the family of the land's loyal caretakers of inevitable displacement.

Bambanti

Directed by: Zig Dulay
Written by: Zig Dulay
Cast: Alessandra de Rossi, Micko Laurente, Julio Diaz, Shamaine Buencamino, Lui Manansala
Also starring: Delphine Buencamino, Erlinda Villalobos, Celio Aquino, Abegail Edillo
and Kiki Baento.

Synopsis: The search for a missing watch instigates the painful quest for the truth in Belyn's and her son's life.

Swap

Directed by: Remton Siega Zuasola
Written by: Remton Siega Zuasola
Cast: Dionne Monsanto, Matt Daclan, Mon Confiado
Also starring: Publio Briones, Ramon Bagatsing, Jesus Mendoza, Genica Ines Mijares, Charisse Mari Fonacier, Natileigh Sitoy, Maria Cristina Mondragon, Eli Razo, and Ronyel Compra.
Also starring: Publio Briones, Ramon Bagatsing, Jesus Mendoza, Genica Ines Mijares, Charisse Mari Fonacier, Natileigh Sitoy, Maria Cristina Mondragon, Eli Razo, and Ronyel Compra.                                

Synopsis: A young father is torn between solving a crime and committing another crime when one day his only son is kidnapped and the criminals demand him to steal another kid in exchange for the life of his son.

Ninja Party

Directed by: Jim Libran
Written by: Jim Libiran, Dominic Lim, Iris Lee
Cast: Annicka Dolonius, Julz Savard, Bea Galvez, Elora Espano, Mariz Reyes, Japo Parcero, Odette Khan, Teresa Loyzaga and Denise Marasigan

Synopsis: Top female students of an elite Catholic-run high school discover their identities and sexualities amidst clashing values. Conflicts with their families and their school force them to grow up and grow in friendship. They face slut­shaming when a rumor spreads about their participation in a secret orgy.

Imbisibol

Directed by: Lawrence Fajardo
Written by: John Paul Bedia, Herlyn Gail Alegre
Cast: JM De Guzman, Ces Quesada, Bernardo Bernardo, Allen Dizon and Ricky Davao
Also starring: JC Santos, Only Torres, Naoki Takai, Shinpei Suzuki, May Alleman, Kaz Sawamura, Masaharu Iwamoto, Oyee Barro and Ricky Davao.

Synopsis: The film follows the lives of four Filipino migrant workers in Japan—Linda, Benjie, Manuel and Rodel—who, amid their individual struggles, are suddenly caught together in an even more complex game of hide and seek where staying invisible is the only way to survive.