On October 16, 2008 the Cinemanila International Film Festival will blow out the first 10 candles on its cake. Opening the festivities is the HK caper Sparrow by maverick director Johnny To.

With sparse dialogue and scenes mostly driven by music and facial interplay, Sparrow depicts the entanglement of a group of Hong Kong pickpockets with a dashing but mysterious beauty. The film premiered at the 58th Berlin International Film Festival where it was selected in competition. Sparrow also marks another milestone in the illustrious career of Johnny To.

To first gained recognition in the box office hit All About Ah-Long starring Chow Yun-Fat. He has then formed Milkyway Image, a production house that specializes in cost-efficient independent films. His 2005 hit Election was hailed by Quentin Tarantino as one of the best films of the year. In 2007, To was honored as "Filmmaker in Focus" at the Rotterdam International Film Festival.

A matinee screening of The Wrestler will precede Sparrow. Fresh from bagging the coveted Golden Lion Prize at the 2008 Venice International Film Festival, The Wrestler stars Mickey Rourke as a retired wrestler facing the prospect of a rematch with his nemesis that might eventually threaten his life. The film is directed by Darren Aronofsky whose previous credits include π (Pi) and Requiem for a Dream.

Dekada Cinemanila will run from October 16-29 at Gateway Cineplex 10, Araneta Center, Quezon City. For more information, log on to www.cinemanila.org.ph or email cinemanila@gmail.com.