MANILA, Philippines--?Pelicula, Pelikula,? The biggest Spanish film festival in Asia, just got bigger. The eighth edition of Instituto Cervantes? Spanish Film Festival ups the moviegoing ante by screening 41 feature films and documentaries (last year?s lineup only had 18) from Sept. 30 to Oct. 31 at Greenbelt 3, CCP and DLSU-CSB, with a special tribute to Mexican cinema on Oct. 7.
Señor Jose Rodriguez, the affable director of Instituto Cervantes, notes the growing interest in Spanish-language films. The weeklong cinematic showcase attracted more than 20,000 viewers last year. ?But, we don?t rest on our laurels. This year, with more exciting choices and diversity, we?re expecting even more,? he beams.
Through the years, we?ve always been drawn to Spanish cinema?s quirky characters, relevant themes, novel twists and turns, and Pinoy-like sensibility and temperament, not to mention the effusive and passionate portrayals turned in by the biggest and brightest stars of Spanish-language films?Javier Bardem, Victoria Abril, Penelope Cruz, Juan Diego, Alberto San Juan, Maribel Verdu, Javier Camara, Angel Tavira, Jordi Molla, Diego Luna, Gael Garcia Bernal, etc.
Accessible
Even when these award-winning films tackle disturbing and risqué subject matter, they manage to keep them accessible and family-friendly?like Nacho Velilla?s ?Chef?s Special? (despite its gay theme), Juan Antonio Bayona?s ?The Orphanage? (still one of our favorite horror dramas) or Pedro Almodovar?s oeuvre.
This year, ?Pelicula, Pelikula?s? cinematic feast, in line with its theme, ?Adik sa Pelikula,? promises to be more exciting (call 526-1482, or visit www.pelicula.ph). Some notable titles:
Max Lemcke?s ?Casual Day? is a subtle comedy that revolves around its easygoing protagonist, Ruy (Juan Diego), whose life is turned upside down when he?s held hostage by the consequences of his indiscretions.
Albert Espinosa?s Woody Allen-style feature, ?Don?t Ask Me to Kiss You, Because I Will,? lets viewers decide if lead character, Albert (Eloy Azurin), is sinner or saint after he regrets his decision to get married. Meanwhile, he takes guitar lessons with ?special? people to distract himself before the wedding?if it pushes through at all!
Daniel Burman?s ?The Empty Nest? explores the gap that occurs when children grow up and move away from home. Joaquin Oristrell?s ?Mediterranean Diet? follows Sofia, who?s regarded as the ?best chef in the world,? and the influential men who helped her get to the top. Rodrigo Pla?s ?The Zone? is about a wealthy compound surrounded by walls and a surveillance system to protect its residents from the violence of the slums.
Meteorite
In F. Javier Gutierrez?s ?Before The Fall,? the world learns that a devastating meteorite will hit the earth?and they only have 72 hours to prepare for it! In Helena Taberna?s period drama, ?The Good News,? a young priest arrives for his first assignment in a small, working-class village.
Javier Fesser?s stirring drama, ?Camino,? examines the effects of religion, illness and romance on a young girl?s life. And, in Raul Garcia and Manuel Sicilia?s animated feature, ?Missing Lynx,? a group of animals looks for a way out of an eccentric billionaire?s personal Noah?s Ark!
