Filipinos' compassion towards the elderly takes the spotlight on ‘Plan 75’

The Cannes-winning film is now showing in Philippine cinemas

Cannes-winning film Plan 75 might be set in Japan but it is the Filipinos’ sense of compassion towards the elderly that takes the spotlight in the dystopian film.

In the movie, Filipino-Japanese actress Stefanie Arianne plays Maria, a Filipino caregiver in Japan who is culture-shocked by the policy of encouraging senior citizens to die.

Arianne believes that the film provided a realistic representation of Filipino caregivers and OFWs known for their family-centric values. She herself felt connected with the character she portrayed.  

"I think the most similar thing Maria and I have in common is perseverance. We’ve both learned that there are times you need to get out of your comfort zone but at the same, you must not forget your boundaries and have a good heart," the Japan-based actress said.

TBA Studios brings Japanese dystopian film “Plan 75” to Philippine cinemas

TBA Studios, one of the leading film production and distribution companies in the Philippines, has acquired the exclusive Philippine theatrical rights to the award-winning film Plan 75.

Written and directed by acclaimed short film director Chie Hayakawa, this critically lauded dystopian drama made its international premiere in Un Certain Regard at this year’s Cannes Film Festival and won the Camera d’Or Special Mention Prize.

Based on Hayakawa’s segment of the same title from the 2018 anthology film Ten Years Japan, Plan 75 paints a harrowing look at a not-so-distant future when the Japanese government launches a program that encourages voluntary euthanasia for senior citizens to remedy a super-aged society.