Cobweb - How Hard Making A Movie Is

Many of us still don't fathom how complicated movie making is. We usually know that the director has the most influence and authority in creating the film and all the elements that come with it. But it becomes more clearer with the film by Kim Jee-woon called Cobweb ( 거미집). It is a black comedy film starring Song Kang-ho (from the movie Parasite), Im Soo-jung (A Tale of Two Sisters), Oh Jung-se (It's Okay Not To Be Okay), Jeon Yeo-been (Vincenzo), and Krystal Jung (The Heirs).

Set in the 70's, the story is about a director named Kim Yeol who makes last minute changes to the film named "Cobweb" to make it into a masterpiece. To do this, they have to persuade the production company and their chairperson as shooting has concluded. But Kim was able to get support and the re shoots will be commenced. 

This is where it the chaos starts, little by little problems and secrets are exposed which opens up a lot of problems in the production. The actors have issues with one another, the censors and authorities want to shut production down, and more secrets in the real-life production adds to the drama of the shoot.

Cinema List: 'The Whale' now showing in more than 50 screens nationwide

Brendan Fraser’s highly anticipated and much talked-about comeback movie, The Whale, is now showing in 56 cinemas nationwide. 

Directed by Academy Award-winning director, Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan, Mother!), the film features Fraser (The Mummy films) and Hong Chau (Downsizing) - both nominated at the 95th Academy Awards for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role and Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role respectively. The cast also includes Sadie Sink (Stranger Things) and Ty Simpkins (Iron Man 3).

The Whale revolves around Charlie, Charlie, a reclusive and unhealthy English teacher who hides out in his flat. He is desperate to reconnect with his teenage daughter for a last chance at redemption.

Singapore-South Korea film 'Ajoomma' starring Kang Hyung Suk, Yeo Jin Goo coming to PH cinemas on March 15

TBA Studios has acquired exclusive Philippine theatrical distribution rights to the lighthearted family drama “Ajoomma”, which will be released on March 15.

Directed by Singaporean filmmaker, He Shuming, his feature debut film tells the story of a middle-aged, Korean-drama-obsessed widow from Singapore who travels out of the country for the first time to Seoul, and ends up getting lost. Her journey becomes an unexpected road of self-discovery, as she comes to terms with the life she truly wants for herself, beyond her roles of daughter, wife, and mother.

He shared that the story is inspired by his own mother’s fascination with Korean dramas. “While the premise seems to be timely given the popularity of Korean pop culture sweeping through all of Asia and beyond, it merely serves as an undertone for the film, which is about a middle-aged Singaporean woman learning to navigate life beyond her duties as a mother, a housewife, and a caretaker,” the director added.

TBA Studios brings Brendan Fraser’s comeback movie “The Whale” to Philippine cinemas

The highly anticipated and much talked-about drama, “The Whale” starring Brendan Fraser, is coming to the Philippines this February 22.

Academy Award-winning director, Darren Aronofsky (“Black Swan”, “Mother!”), helms what critics have touted as Fraser’s “triumphant comeback”.

The actor, who’s known for his leading man roles in films like “Bedazzled”, “George of the Jungle”, and the mega blockbuster franchise “The Mummy”, took over a decade of break before returning to the big screen.

Fraser’s portrayal of a reclusive English teacher who attempts to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter has since earned him nominations in the Golden Globe Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards to name a few, and the top bet to win the Academy Awards for Best Actor.

“The Whale” is based on the acclaimed play by Samuel D. Hunter. It also stars Sadie Sink (“Stranger Things”) and Hong Chau (“The Menu”), who also received a Best Supporting Actress nod from major award-giving bodies for her role in the film.

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.

Ready To Get Lost In The Triangle of Sadness?

With the crazy things that are happening in the world between the rich and the working class, Ruben Östlund's latest film Triangle of Sadness may be a work of fiction but seems hit hard closer to the truth. It stars a number of diverse actors such as Harris Dickinson, Charlbi Dean, Dolly de Leon, Zlatko Burić, Henrik Dorsin, Vicki Berlin, and Woody Harrelson.

One can also get to feel what the movie is about with the promotional posters that featured one of the characters barfing. And indeed, it has a lot of them and more things to be seen. But the vile liquids are not the highlight of the film, rather it is the class struggles of the characters, the clash of wealth, the new way of social climbing, the need for attention, and a discourse of political ideologies.

Cannes-winning ‘Triangle of Sadness’ showing in 49 cinemas starting Nov. 30

Triangle of Sadness breakout star Dolly de Leon. 

Filipinos will now have the chance to experience the critically acclaimed satirical dark comedy film Triangle of Sadness on the big screen starting this Wednesday, Nov. 30. The film features Filipino actress Dolly de Leon, whose stunning performance has garnered praise from film critics here and abroad.

Forty-nine cinemas across the country are set to play Triangle of Sadness this week:

‘Triangle of Sadness’ premieres at QCinema ahead of Nov. 30 nationwide release

Triangle of Sadness actress Dolly de Leon strikes a pose with male models inspired by a scene in the satire movie. Photo from TBA Studios.

TBA Studios is bringing the critically acclaimed satirical dark comedy film Triangle of Sadness to the QCinema International Film Festival 2022, premiering as the festival’s opening film on Nov. 17 at Gateway Cineplex in Quezon City. 

While the premiere is by invitation, moviegoers can still catch the second screening of Triangle of Sadness during the festival on Nov. 21 at Power Plant Cinema in Rockwell, Makati City.

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.

Pinoy music icons, musicians rave 'FANNY: The Right to Rock' docu

The music documentary about long-forgotten ladies of rock-and-roll is coming to select theaters on September 7

Raimund Marasigan praises “FANNY: The Right to Rock” for telling the untold story of the Filipina-led rock band in the 70s. 

Music documentary FANNY: The Right to Rock has earned rave reviews from Filipino music icons Raimund Marasigan of the Eraserheads, and Boboy Garovillo and Jim Paredes of the APO Hiking Society, as well as contemporary rock musicians Jazz Nicolas of Itchyworms and Caren Tevanny of General Luna.

“It’s very powerful and inspiring. I hope to hear more of them and meet all of them,” Marasigan said during the exclusive advance screening of the documentary. “FANNY is very funny,” he added.

Michelle Yeoh blockbuster film ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ is hitting PH Cinemas this June

The movie everyone is talking about is finally coming to the Philippines on the big screens. TBA Studios secures the exclusive distribution rights to A24’s big-hearted sci-fi adventure Everything Everywhere All at Once to be shown in local cinemas on June 29, 2022.

The highly anticipated film stars Michelle Yeoh (Crazy Rich Asians, Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings) as an exhausted Chinese immigrant woman named Evelyn who can’t seem to finish her taxes. It doesn’t help that a variant of her happy go-lucky husband takes over and tells her she has to save the multiverse.

TBA Studios brings Cannes Film Festival Palme d’Or winner “Triangle of Sadness” to PH cinemas

TBA Studios has acquired the exclusive Philippine theatrical rights to this year's controversial Cannes Film Festival Palme d'Or winner Triangle of Sadness. 

Swedish filmmaker Ruben Östlund directs a satirical masterpiece that has everyone abuzz. Set in the world of fashion, Triangle of Sadness follows fashion model couple Carl and Yaya as they embark on a luxury cruise adventure. All appears Instagrammable at first but a storm is brewing, and heavy seasickness hits the passengers during the seven-course captain’s dinner. The cruise ends catastrophically and they become stranded on a desert island with a group of billionaires and a cleaning lady. In the fight for survival, old hierarchies are turned upside down since the cleaning lady is the only one who knows how to fish.

TBA Studios unveils 2022 movie lineup; Crime movie “Grace” now in the works

After the success of the pandemic love story “Dito at Doon” in 2021, TBA Studios is ready to roll out its 2022 lineup with a major movie project leading the way.

On April 20, the award-winning film company announced on their Facebook page that it’s teaming up with Sea'N'Sun Film Productions to produce an action-packed crime thriller called “Grace”.

Grace table read video: https://www.facebook.com/TBAStudiosPH/videos/401456611486899/

To be helmed by critically acclaimed filmmaker Ato Bautista (“Expressway”), “Grace” tells the story of a college student who seeks revenge for the brutal death of his girlfriend and takes down an elite powerful fraternity whose members and alumni are seated in every power sect of Philippine society.

Cinema ‘76 Café expands its cinematic universe of delectable drinks

Like any cinematic universe, TBA Studios’ movie-themed coffee shop Cinema ‘76 Cafe is expanding its menu, introducing 13 must-try coffee and non-coffee variations.

If you need your espresso shots to save the day, you can choose between Caramel Macchiato and White Mocha.  Caramel Macchiato served hot or iced is made with vanilla syrup, freshly steamed milk or cold fresh milk, and marked with perfect espresso shots and drizzled with premium caramel sauce.  White Mocha is likewise an espresso-based beverage but with premium white chocolate sauce and freshly steamed milk, finished off with whipped cream.

To those who want a deeper, richer taste, Virgin Irish Coffee would be your cup of coffee.  Flavored with vanilla and Irish cream syrup, this new drink treats you with non-alcoholic deliciousness to help you get through your work or studies. 

5 hard-to-find Filipino shorts, docus streaming online this August

In case you missed their limited theatrical and festival runs, five award-winning short films and documentaries will be available for on-demand viewing this month on major streaming platforms.

Shorts Bundle

Premiering on Aug. 20 on the platforms are Goyo prequel Angelito, QCinema Film Festival 2019 Best Short Film Judy Free, Australia Independent Film Festival 2018 Best Documentary Life Is What You Make It, and The Interpreter, a Japanese story directed by award-winning Filipino filmmaker Benito Bautista. 

Angelito is a 20-minute short film that follows the story of brothers two days after the death of Antonio Luna. It bridges Jerrold Tarog’s magnum opuses Heneral Luna and Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral.

Watch throuple love story ‘Show Me What You Got’ starting July 30

This steamy polyamorous sex drama is shot in black-and-white, giving the film a tasteful ‘arthouse style’ flavor.

TBA Studios is releasing the seductive adult drama “Show Me What You Got” on July 30 and it will be available on all major streaming platforms in the country.

Helmed by Svetlana Cvetko, “Show Me What You Got” revolves around the intriguing romance between three attractive, free-spirited twentysomethings in Los Angeles— a grieving coffee shop waitress Christine (Cristina Rambaldi), a struggling actor and semi-professional fighter Nassim (Neyssan Falahi), and Marcello (Mattia Minasi), a man living in the shadow of his father, an Italian soap opera star.

The three form a wholehearted ménage à trois, finding joy together by joining political protests, making art, and falling deeper into their unconventional love, until one must return to Italy.  Their experience there threatens the delicate balance of their relationship

TBA Studios' EAT'S GOOD! Returns With Fresh Episodes

Learn easy-to-follow recipes from directors Antoinette Jadaone and JP Habac, and actors Victor Anastacio and Roxanne Barcelo this May 

TBA Studios’ home cooking web series “Eat’s Good” returns with new episodes starting May 2. 

Watch stand-up comic Victor Anastacio of “Dito At Doon” fame whip up a flavorful Homemade Ham & Cheese Burger that he learned to make while living alone in his apartment.  On May 9, JP Habac brings his experimental directing to the kitchen with his Chicken Bicol Express, a healthier alternative to this classic Pinoy favorite.  The following Sunday, singer-actress Roxanne Barcelo recreates the Millionaire Bacon Fried Rice that brings her back to her memorable stay in San Francisco.  For the season finale, award-winning director Antoinette Jadaone shows us how to make the popular lockdown dish, Sushi Bake, without breaking the bank. 

Freaks - Fight or Flight, That Is The Question

With today were we have a lot of superhero movies, it is also scary to think what happens if there are real ones? Definitely the world will freak out and have them researched, tested, and even persecuted. A reality which FREAKS wants to portray as it hits Philippine theaters today.

Freaks was initially shown at the Toronto International Film Festival last year and now getting their debut here through TBA Studios.Directed, written, and produced by Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein, the film tells the story of a 7 year-old girl named Chloe who grew up locked inside an secluded house with her father. 

Being cut off from the outside world, she longs to go outside and meet and play with other people. However, it has got to do with their abilities that will be revealed as the story progresses. Her desire to go outside intensifies when a mysterious ice cream truck came to their neighborhood and gets in touch with her.

GOYO - Ang Batang Heneral Continues The Revolutionary Trilogy

After the underdog success of Heneral Luna, the "Artikulo Uno" trilogy continues with Gregorio Del Pilar now on the spotlight. GOYO Ang Batang Heneral is directed by Jerold Tarog, and Paulo Avelino plays the role again. 

With Heneral Luna comes a fiesty and strong film about the general's life, Goyo is more of the opposite with a more milder yet womanizing  personality which might come as a shock for those expecting a hot-headed  protagonist. 

The film also brings in the cast of Heneral Luna like Apolinario Mabini (Epy Quizon), Emilio Aguinaldo (Mon Confiado), Manuel Quezon (Benjamin Alves, and Joven (Aaron Villaflor). Though I would also highly recommend watching the filler short "Angelito" which was part of "I'm Drunk, I Love You." but is also available for viewing in their facebook page.