MANILA, Philippines - Khavn dela Cruz’s 28th full-length film Mondomanila will premiere at the UP Film Center from December 1 to 4, as part of “MFMF! Mondomanila FilmFest Motherf%*#ers!”
Mondomanila: or, How I Fixed My Hair After A Rather Long Journey is an adaptation of Norman Wilwayco’s triple-Palanca-winning novel (2002), short story (2000), and screenplay (2003). Explains Khavn, “It’s a post-modern version of Edgardo Reyes’ Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag. It not only explores Manila and its humanity, it also delves into the whole rationale behind the irrational lives these people experience every day.”
The characters of Mondomanila are brought to life by the masterful portrayals of the cast: 15-year old Urian nominee and Makiling High School for the Arts scholar Timothy Mabalot (Tony D.); Gael Garcia Bernal’s Mammoth co-star, Marife Necesito (Mother Maria); the late great Palito (Shoeshine Pablo); Whitney Tyson (Lovely 5-6); midgets; strongmen; lesbian triplets; dirty old white man; and talented teens with disabilities but with incredible rapping and breakdancing skills from Talentadong Pinoy (Talented Filipinos).
Mondomanila will have six screenings from Dec. 1 to 4 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 2 to 3 at 5 p.m. at the Cine Adarna, UP Film Institute, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City. A forum on the relevance of the Metro Manila Film Festival dubbed “MMFF Vs. MFMF!” will also be held on Dec. 1, 4 p.m. at the UP Film Center.