This March, Monti Parungao will release his third digital film titled Santuaryo. Produced by Climax Films, this film dares to explore what will happen when a group of boys get stranded on an island without hope of rescue.
Direk Monti is the same director of Bayaw, one of the entries that competed in the 2009 Cinemalaya-NETPAC Award; and Sagwan, the opening film of the 2009 QUEERiosity Manila International Film Festival.
Set to premiere on March 17, 2010 in selected theaters nationwide, Santuaryo is reminiscent of unforgettable movies like Temptation Island and Blue Lagoon, and calls to mind the literary classic, Lord of the Flies. Shot in a virgin beach in Puerto Galera, Monti Parungao delves into his experience directing the Philippine version of Survivor and makes the landscape the perfect backdrop for a sexually charged story.
Santuaryo is a movie that centers on the unfolding narration of a young man named Archie (Basti Romero). Archie went looking for a lost treasure when he came into the possession of an ancient map left by an old adventurer. His journey left him battered and cloudy with memories as he was found drifting on the ocean and later, rescued by island fishermen. When his long time lover, William (Will Sandejas) arrives at his side, he is forced to painfully recall what happened to him and describes how he crossed paths with a group of boys looking for the same treasure. In the end, Archie realizes what is most valuable in life and it is in his relationship with William that he finds his greatest fortune.
The film introduces a set of new indie actors led by former commercial and ramp model, Basti Romero who is determined to carve a name in the industry. He is joined by Justin Dizon, Nicos Bacani, Gino Quintana, A.J. Ona and Ralph Mateo. Together, they are a breath of fresh air in the indie film industry. Santuaryo also features celebrated indie actor, Will Sandejas in a special guest role.
Panoramic and provoking, Santuaryo is ultimately a hypothesis about the behavioral mutations of a group of boys when faced with desperate circumstances.
Theater release of Santuaryo is set on March 17, 2010 in the following cniemas: Robinsons Galleria, Remar, Roben, Gotesco Grand Central, Isetann Cinerama, Gotesco Commonwealth, and Cebu Ultravistarama.