MANILA, Philippines—With the six films he is set to make, Adolf Alix Jr. must be the busiest indie filmmaker this year.

The 28-year-old’s “Tambolista,” about a boy’s dream of owning a drum set, will be screened in the Sturm und Drang (Cinema of the Future) section of the 37th International Film Festival Rotterdam in The Netherlands, ongoing till Feb. 3.

Alix sat with Inquirer shortly before he left for Rotterdam.

‘Daybreak’

He recently finished “Daybreak,” starring Coco Martin and Paolo Rivero, as two men deciding whether to break up or not.

The movie, written by Charliebebs Gohetia (editor of Dante Mendoza’s “Tirador” and “Foster Child”), will be shown at the UP Film Center in Diliman on Feb. 13 and 14 and at the Robinsons Galleria IndieSine in Mandaluyong City on Feb. 20.

Working with Anita Linda in “Tambolista,” Alix said he was impressed with the 83-year-old actress’ discipline. He said this inspired him to co-write a film for her with Nick Olanka.

The film is about an old woman whose children and grandchildren forget to visit on her birthday. Filming begins shortly.

In March, Alix is set to work with the Lao-Australian actor Ananda Everingham in a film about a military patrolman in the Spratlys Island.

Everingham is best known for his lead role in the 2004 horror film “Shutter.” The film also stars Filipino actor Joem Bascon.

‘Manila’

In July, Alix starts on the twin-bill “Manila,” with Raya Martin (“Short Film about the Indio Nacional”).

The tribute to Ishmael Bernal and Lino Brocka, to be shot here and in the US, is written by Ramon Sarmiento and co-produced by Bicycle Pictures and CIF Films.

Filming of “Kusina,” with Iza Calzado as lead actress, is scheduled in the last quarter. Alix said GMA Films, which co-produced “Batanes” with Ignite Media, is financing the project.

“It’s a period drama set in the 1930s. The entire film happens inside Iza’s kitchen,” said Alix.

“Kusina” is written by Cenon Palomares, winner of the 2006 Carlos Palanca Award for screenplay.

Alix said he also has a documentary, “Lola,” about residents of the Batanes Islands.

Other Pinoys

Aside from Alix, a few Filipino filmmakers will also be featured in this year’s Rotterdam IFF.

John Torres’ new film, “Taon Noong Ako’y Anak sa Labas” will compete in the VPRO Tiger Awards Competition.

“Tambolista,” Khavn de la Cruz’s “Philippine Bliss” and a Korean-Filipino co-production, “Tropical Manila” directed by Lee Sang-woo, will be screened in the Cinema of the Future section.

The Kings and Aces section, which specializes on films that “bear the personal signature of a director,” will feature Lav Diaz’ 9-hour film, “Death in the Land of Encantos.”

Film market

The documentary “Standing Up,” to be screened in the Time and Tide section, is about young Afghan men training to be soldiers. It is directed by Manila-based Afghan-American Waise Azimi.

Film producer Arleen Cuevas will represent the Philippines in the 2008 Cinemart, a side event (and the largest film market).

Producer-director Marge Templo is a participant of Rotterdam Lab, a training ground for emerging producers.