QCinema’s 11th Edition is Elevated

In its eleventh year, the QCinema International Film Festival continues its growth as a major player in the international festival scene, adding new sections and new programs that aim to elevate every Filipino festival-goer’s experience.

This year’s edition of QCinema has again some of the most acclaimed films on the festival circuit in its lineup, including festival award-winners and Oscars entries.

Babae At Baril - The Power Of The Gun

Not everyone are able to get their hands on a firearm. But when one does, what can it do to the person wielding it? This is what QCinema participating film BABAE AT BARIL wants to showcase. Starring Janine Gutierrez, Felix Roco, Elijah Canlas, JC Santos, and Sky Teotico, the film is also the director Rea Red's solo directorial debut.

It tells the story of a young saleslady which endures a very hard life, harassment at work and on the streets, stressful commutes, and even a unreliable roommate. Though hope is lost for her situation, she stumbles on a gun near where she lives and decided to take it and eventually use it. With a deadly weapon on her hands, she immediately  feel the power and change in her personality to use it to her advantage.

Being part of QCinema for this year, they also got production grant worth P1.5 Million. They are also competing along with Grenn Brarit's The Cleaners and Arnel Kaaway Sa Sulod, and against entries from Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Laos, and China.

Hintayan Ng Langit - From Stage To Film Makes A Powerful Impression

I have seen this when it was a one-act-play back in 2016.Now one of the competition circle films for QCinema, HInatayan Ng Langit is already an interesting film to look forward to. And having Eddie Garcia and Gina Pareno to play the ex-lovers Manolo and Lisang is a perfect choice.

Set as an interpretation of "purgatory," Hintayan is a place for atonement and closure. Manolo recently passed and was sent here for unfinished business. He meets his ex-lover Lisang who passed 2 years earlier and awaiting clearance on his way to heaven to be with his husband.

As the two have never met in decades, they make use of their remaining time to bond with each other and knowing more about their past. I like the treatment of the film which gave more details and depth to the play. With a lot of details that can be added, I love how they made use of the material to add fun details with the location, the signs, and even the system.

QCinema 2018 Opens With Over 40 Films!

Everybody is excited for another film festival happening this October, QCinema is a proud locally-supported film festival made by the Quezon City Government. Now on 6th year, it showcases a smörgåsbord of film ranging from the competition films to foreign and restored movie which will excite everyone.

Opening with the award-winning Japanese film "Shoplifters" by Hirokazu Kore-eda, it tells the story of a family of criminals scraping a living in downtown Tokyo. Their story takes an interesting turn when they adopt a little girl despite their impoverished livelihood.But the fun does not stop there as we always look forward to the main competition films. 

REEL DEAL: Neomanila REVIEW

One of the feature films of QCinema directed by Mikhail Red, the director of the Filipino Oscar Entry Birdshot, Neomanila sparks interest what does this title mean. For me, I immediately think of a sci-fi story or a possible future timeline. However it proved to mean another thing.

Neomanila is something I was not initially expecting yet this is one of the things that gives mystery to the film. Set in present time, with all the present issues of society, and the reality they represent is very close. EJK, Drugs, Crime, Sex, and Money runs around which many films have used many times, now is interpreted by Mikhail Red now rising an acclaimed director.

There are a a great pool of artists for Neomanila which includes Eula Valdez, Rocky Salumbides, and Timothy Castillo. They play Irma, Raul, and Toto respectively; specifically linked to violence and a murder network which works deep in the shadows. 

Probably the only value you can get from this is the value of family, and the others are hard hitting life lessons which had grave consequences.  The film was painfully moving, yet indeed a masterpiece for Red. They went to be as real as possible with scenes that we are familiar with; the slums, the drugs, and possibly the violence. 

REEL DEAL: Mga Gabing Kasing Haba ng Hair Ko REVIEW

This film with an interestingly catchy title is not just the regular queer themed movie as it has also made it to the Busan International Film Festival this October. Mga Gabing Kasing Haba ng Hair Ko (Those Long Haired Nights) presents 3 stories of transgenders who live and work in the red light district and they each have a story to tell.

As long as their strands, the life of Tuesday (Daclan), Amanda (Falcon), and Barbie (Salumbides) are a mix of fun and tragic consequences. We might be familiar to them as they reveal themselves with the people they work and relate to. Sex and drugs is expected but there is also some scenes that surprise the viewers.

Though I was also expecting the actors playing transgenders to be "lady like" appeal, they did great in portraying their roles despite looking buff. Each has his/her own charm with their first impression, to the way they progress to their own stories. A mix of light and heavy moments makes its a journey to their lives though we wanted to see more, probably a short backstory.

Mananangal Flies Again For Pista Ng Pelikulang Pilipino

Remember this cool film from QCinema? I was hooked with its interesting story and execution, and I think this might be the best Mananagal movie ever! Yes it's true! Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B is back this year and now for a larger market in the upcoming Pista Ng Pelikulang Pilipino. 

I fell in love with the film as it was not just the formulaic love story, but rather shows the human side of Mananangals. It also got hotter when sexy scenes take over followed by a bloody carnage which are the factors why it got an R-16 rating. Despite this, the directors and producers are positive that a bigger screening opportunity and the rise of a new popular character of Ryza which is Georgia in the GMA Afternoon Prime show "Ang Ika-6 Na Utos".

REEL DEAL: Ang Manananggal Sa Unit 23B REVIEW

We have seen so many mananangal movies which are a mix of good and bad films. And despite the popularity of the winged pinoy monster, the film adaptations would be too light for a organ eating aswang, but I just saw ANG MANANANGGAL SA UNIT 23B which stars Ryza Cenon and Martin Del Rosario and one of the films featured for QCinema.

As part of QCinema, it also joins the roster which included films Patay Na Si Jesus with Jacklyn Jose and Hinulid with Nora Aunor. As the festival runs on a limited time and cinemas, it drew attention with fans watching the film as well as getting good reviews from film critics.

Personally, I don't have high expectations for the film given that it is a monster movie, and it has limited budget which I thought the effects will be cheaply done, but I was wrong.

First the movie had an interesting feel with the first few minutes, it was going to a romcom phase introducing the characters of Jewel and Nico, however there are some hints on what lies ahead in the story. Then it becomes more dark and violent thereafter. Ryza made a bold statement with the weird yet erotic role, however she clarifies that this does not mean to go full on sexy for future films. Martin Del Rosario is also interesting as the literal boy next door with a little twist, add Vangie Labalan as Nico's Grandmother made the entertainment package. 

I love the most about the film was the cinematography, music and effects. They elevated the new feel for Philippine cinema which delivers the message and details without exaggerating. Though it can be also merit a sequel, I say it is excellent in its own way.