Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros (The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros) will be screened for free on January 5 at Mag:net Café in Quezon City. This indie film was selected as the official entry of the Philippines to the Academy Awards scheduled on March 2007.
Winning several awards from film festivals in the country and abroad, Maximo tells the story of a 12-year-old effeminate gay boy who lives in the slums. He belongs to a family which is engaged in petty crimes. Maxi, as he is fondly called in the neighborhood, is openly gay and is doted upon by his father and two brothers. Assuming most of the chores in the house since the death of his mother, Maxi's world practically revolves around his family until he befriends Victor, a handsome policeman. Maxi eventually falls for Victor. Maxi is then torn between his affection for Victor and his loyalty to his family.
Neorealist in orientation, the film is a tale of lost innocence and redemption amidst the crushing poverty of Manila's slums.
Maximo is penned by award-winning writer Michiko Yamamoto who is also behind the critically acclaimed film Magnifico and is directed by Auraeus Solito.
Maximo is also the first Philippine feature film ever to be exhibited in the Sundance Film Festival.
Free Admission.
Venue: Mag:net Café, AGCOR Building, 335 Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City
Screening: January 5 (5:30-7:00 PM)