Two Filipino films will compete in the Southeast Asian
Competition of the 10th Cinemanila International Film Festival. The Anita Linda
tribute film Adela and the mockumentary Confessional are two of
the seven choice films that are in the running for the SEA section of Dekada
Cinemanila.
Adela is directed by Adolf Alix Jr. while Confessional is helmed by
Jerrold Tarog and Ruel Dahis Antipuesto. Direk Adolf's film was recently
screened in the 2008 Toronto and Pusan International Film Festivals.
The film, produced by Noel Ferrer and Adolfo Alix, Jr.,
tells the plight of Adela, a former radio personality, who is celebrating her
80th birthday in the slums of Manila.
Alone and without support, she longs for the family and stability of
years gone by. Mundane events take on a
heightened meaning as Adela gauges her life against those of the sea of
humanity.
The film also stars Jason Abalos, Joem Bascon, Ricky Davao,
Perla Bautista and in very special roles, Iza Calzado and Mr. German Moreno.
New York-based Visit Films has the worldwide acquisition rights of Adela. This
movie will open in selected theaters by November.
Meanwhile, Confessional is the tale of a fledgling
filmmaker named Ryan Pastor (portrayed by Jerrold). He goes to Cebu to document
the Sinulog Festival but he meets a former politician who decides to confess
all his sins, the crimes, corruptions and even murders he committed while in
office, before Ryan's camera. This digital film, produced by Creative Programs
Inc. (CPI), is hailed as the runaway winner of the 2007 Cinema One Originals
digital film fest.
Confessional was also exhibited in Pusan IFF and was named Best
Film in the First Features section of the 10th Osian's Cinefan Festival
of Asian and Arab Cinema in India.
Here are the films that will compete in the Southeast Asian competition of
Cinemanila:
1. 12 Lotus (Royston Tan, Singapore)
2. Adela (Adolfo Alix Jr., Philippines)
3. The Blind Pig Who Wants to Fly (Edwin, Indonesia)
4. Confessional (Jerrold Tarog and Ruel Dahis Antipuesto, Philippines)
5. Flower in the Pocket (Liew Seng Tat, Malaysia)
6. Love of Siam (Chukiat Sakveerakul, Thailand)
7. The Photograph (Nan Achnas, Indonesia)Dekada Cinemanila will run from October 16-29 at Gateway Mall in Cubao.