Award-winning film “Leonor Will Never Die” (Filipino title: “Ang Pagbabalik ng Kwago”), produced by ANIMA and Arkeo Films, will finally have its Philippine debut as it has been selected as the opening feature of this year’s Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.
The film held its international premiere last January and has proven to be a smashing success, bagging the Sundance Special Jury Award for Innovative Spirit at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival. It has also been shown at various movie screenings in the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Taiwan, among others.
“Para kaming niyakap. Cinemalaya has been a huge part of my life as a film lover – simula nung high school as an audience hanggang nung screening ng thesis ko, at ngayon sa first feature. Katabi ko ang Cinemalaya every step of the way and I’m so happy na dito unang maipapalabas ang pelikula namin!” said its director Martika Ramirez Escobar.
The film focuses on stage veteran Sheila Francisco’s titular character, Leonor, a major player in the Filipino film industry in the ‘80s, who falls into a coma before finishing her final screenplay. When she regains consciousness years later, she struggles to complete her magnum opus while navigating life in an entirely new environment.
The film, Escobar’s directorial debut, has been lauded by critics here and abroad for its meta storytelling that combines a fever dream premise with a postmodern reality topped with sharp dialogue delivered by an outstanding ensemble.
ANIMA, KROMA Entertainment Inc.’s film production studio, continues its winning streak, having won big awards at the recently concluded 70th Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards for “Kun Maupay Man It Panahon” top-billed by Charo Santos-Concio and Daniel Padilla.
Kroma Entertainment is a TraDigital Entertainment company passionate about creators, talent, content and technology. Its nine brands form a unique ecosystem that work as one to bring together our varying perspectives and points of view to create something new, special and trailblazing.
Anima is a Philippine-based entertainment studio under Kroma Entertainment, composed of dedicated storytellers with expertise in film, TV, and content creation. Whether it’s a TV series, a short film, a podcast (ANIMA Podcasts) or a music video that moves you, makes you laugh, makes you cry, inspires, informs, or empowers you – count on us to represent and be present in every facet of Filipino life.
Visit ANIMA’s official website at www.anima.ph to discover more of the production studio’s award-winning filmography and other works.
***
From being a worker in a cruise ship and in various international companies, Captain Pitz Berina or Captain Peter, otherwise known as the Singing Captain, is now a recording artist.
He has recorded the Vehnee Saturno composition titled “Kita Ay Mahal” which talks about great love. Aside from his debut single, his solo album has six original songs and seven cover songs which are all Original Pilipino Music. Also being heard on your favorite radio stations is his revival of the Rodel Naval hit “Muli.”
Captain Peter wants to be an inspiration not only to his fellow seafarers but to all people to chase –and fulfill – their dreams, regardless of age, color of skin or status in life.
At present, his main objective is to promote his songs thru various platforms. He is also toying with the idea of putting up his own media production and talent agency to help aspiring young artists in the field of singing, dancing and acting.
He also aims to have his songs being chosen as theme songs of various teleseryes being shown on television. He is also setting eyes in putting up an institution to help street people.
***
RS Francisco did not want to accept the offer of AQ Prime to host a reality show for the new streaming platform. But after talking to Atty. Aldwin Alegre, the CEO, he was convinced not only to do the show but to work as creative manager as well.
“I saw that AQ Prime has a good vision for the entertainment industry. Aside from that, Frontrow will also be a partner of AQ Prime in its projects,” said RS at the launch of AQ Prime Goes Live on Monday, August 8, at Luxent Hotel in Quezon City.
RS doesn’t look at AQ Prime as competitor of Vivamax or of the recently launched Juanetworx but believes all three streaming platforms can provide jobs for those in the entertainment industry.
Aside from the original adult-themed movies that can be seen in Director’s Cut, there are more content that can be viewed if you download the AQ Prime app. They are offering a special package if subscribers will download the app now until September 30.
New subscribers will only have to pay P100 for the first month, P1 for the second month and will have the third month free.