Three Pinoy films in Cannes
By Marinel Cruz
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:25:00 05/14/2008
Filed Under: Cinema
MANILA, Philippines—The 61st Cannes International Film Festival has invited three Filipino films to be screened this week in the prestigious gathering, held in one of the most glamorous cities in the French Riviera.
“Bulong,” a short film by young director and TV personality Pedro “Joaqui” Valdes, will be shown in the Short Film Corner (non-competition).
Dante Mendoza’s “Serbis” is competing with 22 other entries for the Palme d’Or award for Best Feature Film. Raya Martin’s “Now Showing” is featured at the Cannes IFF’s Director’s Fortnight section.
The festival runs until May 25.
“Bulong” is the story of Julio, who hears voices inside his head that may cost him his job, his relationship with his partner, and his sanity. It stars Sid Lucero and Maita Ponce.
Part of the week-long festival of short features are daily round-table discussions and workshops “aimed at providing filmmakers with concrete tools and keys to develop their activity, optimize their professional skills and enrich their contacts,” according to its website, www.shortfilmcorner.com.
The selected short films may be seen upon request on 40 interactive screens during the festival. Filmmakers are provided three mini-screening rooms to allow them to showcase their works.
“Bulong” will compete at the New Beijing International Movie Week in China from June 1 to 8.
Peter Salladé, director of the Beijing film fest, told Valdes in a letter early this month that organizers of the festival are willing to shoulder the cost of the film’s subtitling in Chinese.
Raymond Red’s “Anino,” about a photographer whose camera is stolen by a street urchin, is the first Filipino short film to win the Palme d’Or at the Cannes IFF in 2000.
Email mcruz@inquirer.com.ph
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