2018
Concerts/Theatre
PRESS RELEASE
Cinematografo Original Bitter Melon holds regular screenings in downtown San Francisco
Q&A with Director H.P. Mendoza and Producer Mark del Lima follows select screenings
SAN FRANCISCO, December 5, 2018 –Cinematografo Originals’ very first offering is H.P. Mendoza’s latest feature BITTER MELON. It had a sneak preview at the inaugural edition of Cinematografo International Film Festival last year. It then had its world premiere at CAAMFest 2018, followed by screenings at Outfest LA in July, the Asian American International Film Festival in August, and the 2018 San Diego Asian Film Festival in November where it won Best Narrative Feature. It wrapped up its festival run with a homecoming screening last month at the 2nd annual Cinematografo International Film Festival last month.
After a successful tour of various prestigious film festivals, BITTER MELON starts its theatrical run on Friday, December 7 in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York. A Q & A with Director H.P. Mendoza and Producer Mark Del Lima follows select screenings in downtown San Francisco.
San Francisco
AMC Van Ness 14
Dec. 7 Friday after the 7:30PM screening
Q&A with HP Mendoza (director) • Mark Del Lima (producer)
AMC Van Ness 14
Dec. 8 Saturday after the 7:40PM screening
Q&A with HP Mendoza (director) • Mark Del Lima (producer)
Bitter Melon is the story of a Filipino-American family who reunites for a Christmas party at the family home in San Francisco only to find out thatTroy (Patrick Epino), the second oldest child, has been ruling the house with fear—intimidating everyone who lives there—including his mother, and even physically abusing his wife. What starts as a fun holiday reunion turns into a darkly humorous crime scene as Declan (Jon Norman Schneider), the youngest son, leads the family as they conspire on how to best murder the violent and abusive Troy.
Tim Sika of the San Francisco Film Critics Society calls Bitter Melon “an indie masterpiece. The entire movie pulsates with so much emotion and truth. Anyone should see this regardless of ethnicity because it’s a universal story that anyone can relate to.” Randy Myers of San Jose Mercury News says that Bitter Melon is “a risk taker that will make you laugh, wince, and become very uncomfortable.”
Bitter Melon screens December 7-13 at AMC Van Ness 14.
2nd Cinematografo International Film Festival Opens Tonight
with the SF Bay Area Premiere of the Philippines’ Official Entry to the Oscars
“Signal Rock” at the AMC Kabuki 8 at 6pm
“A gorgeous portrait of despair and delight…. Signal Rock’s greatest strength, aside from Neil Daza’s crisp cinematography and a naturalistic, connective central performance by (Christian) Bables, is its unapologetic emotion. It’s sincere without being maudlin, angry without being shrill and downbeat without being hopeless.”
– The Hollywood Reporter
Signal Rock is a striking goldmine of great Filipino filmmaking that shines in every aspect — from the acting to the story to script to the direction to everything else that makes it one commanding whole, there really isn’t anything to keep it from baring its bravado. – Cinephilia.ph
“Another Chito Rono masterpiece…. Instead of dealing with the travails of the OFW abroad, Signal Rock dealt mainly with the lives of the family and friends they left behind on the island. This is one of those rare films where the whole community was collectively the main featured character. It was a thoughtful throwback of sorts to those incisive society dramas by Lino Brocka, Ishmael Bernal, Mike de Leon, or Eddie Romero in the 1970s and 1980s.” – Fred Hawson, ABS-CBN News
“Veteran director Chito S. Rono explores the country's most pressing issues through the lens of an island village in the Philippines' official Oscar entry.” – The Hollywood Reporter
Join us at Cinematografo: Breaking Down Walls - https://cinematografofilmfestival.com/
Second Annual CINEMATOGRAFO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2018
returns November 8 – 11 to the AMC Kabuki 8 in San Francisco
Breaking Down Walls
SAN FRANCISCO, October 31, 2018 -- ABS-CBN is proud to announce the complete lineup of the 2018 Cinematografo International Film Festival. Events will return to San Francisco on NOVEMBER 8 - 11 at the AMC Kabuki 8 in Japantown.
Opening Night: SIGNAL ROCK
San Francisco Bay Area Premiere
The second edition of the festival will kick off renowned Filipino auteur Chito Roño’s SIGNAL ROCK, the official submission from The Philippines for Best Foreign Language Film at the upcoming Academy Awards®. The film tells the story of Intoy (Christian Bables) who is left to care for his parents when his sister moved out to work overseas. He calls the remote island of Biri his home, wherein the only way he could contact his sister and the outside world is by taking his cellular phone and going up the strange rock formation known as “signal rock.”
Centerpiece: THE DEBUT Turns 18!
Special Anniversary Edition
Cinematografo is proud to launch the 18th anniversary screening of THE DEBUT, the first known Filipino American feature drama produced in the U.S., as the Centerpiece presentation. Gene Cajayon’s seminal film tells the story of teenager Ben Mercado (Dante Basco) who rejects his Filipino heritage. His contentious relationship with his immigrant father Roland comes to a head at his sister Rose’s 18th birthday party. In the span of one night, he comes to terms with his identity, heritage and what being a Filipino-American is all about.
Director Gene Cajayon and the cast are expected to attend. Preceding the program is a bonus screening of THE LITTLE FILM THAT COULD, a short documentary shot in 2001 that tracked the life of THE DEBUT as it toured on-the-road around the U.S.
The film was opening night presentation at both CAAMFest (known as SF International Asian American Film Festival) and Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival 18 years ago.
Closing Night: A LAND IMAGINED
True to their theme of “Breaking down Walls,” Cinematografo, is breaking down its programming walls to expand its reach beyond the borders of the Philippines and the U.S. As the second edition of the festival comes to a close, the festival will close with A LAND IMAGINED, winner of the top prize at the 2018 Locarno International Film Festival. The Singaporean drama examines the plight of migrant workers in a foreign land.
After a construction accident, a lonely worker from China goes missing at a Singapore land reclamation site. An insomniac police investigator tracks down the mystery of the missing migrant only to uncover more than he bargained for.
A LAND IMAGINED is preceded by the new documentary from New Zealand OBRERO by Norman Zafra.
Tribute to Visual Communications
As the Los Angeles-based media arts organization prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary in just over a year, Cinematografo is thrilled to honor VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS for its significant, lasting contributions to Filipino-American and Filipino culture and communities everywhere.
Visual Communications’ mission is to develop and support the voices of Asian American and Pacific Islander filmmakers and media artists who empower communities and challenge perspectives. The organization is also home to the VC Vault, one of the largest photographic and moving image archives of Asian Pacific experiences in America.
Visual Communications amplifies the stories of AAPI communities, including championing Filipino and Filipino-American films and media. In five decades, VC has produced classic works such as Linda Mabalot's Manong (1978), Planting Roots(1984), Ugat Pilipino: Filipino Roots (1994). Through its annual Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, VC has created a space to showcase films such as Lino Brocka'sBayan Ko, Gene Cajayon's The Debut, Ramona Diaz' Motherland, and recently, PJ Raval's Call Her Ganda.
This FREE PROGRAM honoring VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS includes a surprise SHORT FILM PROGRAM and HIGHLIGHTS of the media organization’s past five decades.
Cinematografo Originals
COMPLETED FILMS Special Programming
Feature and Short Film Co-Production Initiative
Presenting three feature films that were developed and co-produced through the inaugural initiative of Cinematografo Originals will be presented at this year’s 2018 festival:
BITTER MELON
H.P. Mendoza, 2018, USA, narrative
IN THIS FAMILY
Drama del Rosario, 2017, USA, documentary
Cinematografo Originals
CURRENTLY IN PRODUCTION Special Presentations
(by invitation; not open to the public)
Feature and Short Film Co-Production Initiative
Cinematografo Originals is the festival’s initiative to discover, develop, nurture, co-finance, co-produce and showcase original films by emerging filmmakers.
Cinematografo Originals Pitch & Presentation Panel
Presenting new film projects currently in production, three co-produced by Cinematografo Originals; additional surprise projects will be announced at the beginning of the program during which industry and potential distributors will have an opportunity to discover new films coming down the pipeline.
Additional Panels & Conversations
New panels for 2018 include: impact that Filipino-American films and makers continue to have on the political and social landscape of the world -- including discourse on women filmmakers of color, leadership, colonial and economic powers, climate change and ties between Asia-Pacific Island nations and cultures.
Forum Discussions
(open to the public FREE of charge, but ticket required)
Storytellers, Engagement, Global Impact
The screening of CALL HER GANDA will be followed immediately by a topical, dynamic PANEL DISCUSSION with its filmmakers (PJ Raval, Marty Syjuco), and joined in a conversation by the makers of other films that have recently ignited political and social storms: GIVE UP TOMORROW (Syjuco, Michael Collins) the Emmy-nominated 2011 film about the explosive trial of accused murderer Paco Larrañaga in the Philippines that has recently surged on several million social media circuits, creating renewed political interest in the case; DISINTEGRATION 93-96 (Miko Revereza), the cinematic, intimate visual essay about the filmmaker’s life as an ‘illegal alien’ observing his own personal disintegrating traditional family model.
The filmmakers will shine some light on their recent Filipino and Filipino American films that have made considerable impact on the socio-economic and geopolitical landscapes of the world. Whose voices are shouted from rooftops – who listens, who takes action – and whose lives are impacted?
Panel: Rewriting (Her)Story
Join us for a conversation on women of color in film and how the industry has changed in the past year. We move past gender politics and listen to personal stories of women on the ground whose struggles, until recently, have largely gone unnoticed. Diane Paragas, Zorinah Juan, Jess dela Merced and other women filmmakers will share their views, challenges and accomplishments.
Script to Screen: Financing Your Film
You’ve written your script. Now what?
International co-productions promote artistic collaborations, not only through financial support, but through creating partnerships and cultural exchange. Join us for a lively discussion with international producers from Europe and Asia as they talk about film markets, partnerships, and networking, and find out what exactly it is you need to get your film out there ready for the world.
Shorts Programs
The festival will present the following short programs that showcase a full, dynamic diverse range of stories from the Filipino diaspora around the world.
FILIPINX: LGBT/Queer Shorts (Total Program 107 min.) Showcasing diverse, tender, painful stories within the Filipinx and Filipinx American communities around the world, these films provide intimate looks into Queer Filipino life and love at all stages.
BY WAY OF AMERICA (Total Program 84 min.) Seven films from a variety of genres explore the daily lives of Filipino Americans and their personal experiences across evolving, modern, and often conflicted societies. Often hilarious, irreverent and occasionally heartbreaking, these gems hail from promising young storytellers, an emerging generation of Filipino-American talent not to be missed.
FROM THE MOTHERLAND (Total Program 87 min.) A diverse cross section of resilience, strength, compassion set in the Philippines showcase the lives and struggles of Filipinos living in a country grappling with change. This collection of work gives a rich voice to filmmakers confronting these issues in ways both touching and meaningful.
Additional Highlights
YIELD, a stunning, new ethnographic documentary by Victor Tagaro, Toshihiko Uryu, Philippines and Japan co-production.
Mikhail Red’s neo-noir thriller NEOMANILA, set in the in underbelly of Manila along the backdrop of President Duterte’s war on drugs.
RESPETO, a politically charged hip-hop mashup, filled with dazzling musical scenes and astute social commentary.
CALL HER GANDA PJ Raval’s latest award-winning documentary that galvanizes a political uprising through the story of a trans-woman murdered by a U.S. Marine just beyond the walls of an American military base in The Philippines.
THE CLEANERS, Hans Block and Moritz Riesewieck riveting portrait of the anonymous men and women in Manila who scrub the internet of obscene content.
CHEDENG & APPLE by Fatrick Tabada and Rae Red, a sold out hit at Frameline42 LGBTQ Film Festival – about two elderly, wise, willful women who take control of their lives and go on a poignant, hilarious road trip.
Building on Cinematografo’s First Edition 2017
Its successful inaugural year exceeded organizers and public expectations, showcasing more than two dozen independent and international films, feature-length and short-subject docs and narratives from the U.S. and The Philippines, hosting more than 40 filmmaker and industry guests from N. America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region – and turning the spotlight on Filipino-American filmmakers through its co-production initiative, Cinematografo Originals.
A dynamic model of original film content developed and produced as a ‘Cinematografo Original,’ H.P. Mendoza’s newest feature BITTER MELON was platformed at one of several industry-focused workshops, pitch sessions and work-in-progress previews during the festival’s first edition, and recently premiered at CAAMFest 2018, followed by OutFest in July. Cinematografo 2018 is pleased to bring the film back to SF for an encore screening in this year’s edition.
A who’s who of Filipino, Filipino-American and Asian-American industry and filmmaker guests attended last year’s edition for screenings, industry panels, parties and pitch-presentations, and many are expected to return for the 2018 edition. They include: publicist and awards consultant David Magdael, Executive Director of Visual Communications Francis Cullado, producer and Sundance Film Festival programmer Ernesto Foronda, American Reframed series producer Carmen Vicencio, and film execs Malou Santos, Olivia Lamasan and Olivia de Jesus. Invited guests for 2018 include US and international filmmakers, industry tastemakers, distributors, film programmers and broadcasters.
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About Cinematografo
The festival is named after ‘Cinematografo’ — the first movie theater in the Philippines, that opened in August of 1897. From this grand establishment was born a rich heritage of celebrating films and the venue introduced Filipinos to the custom of going to the movies. The new film festival in San Francisco aims to continue this tradition wherever Filipinos may be, and intends to draw in a wider audience of Asian American and independent cinephiles and movie lovers across the San Francisco Bay Area and internationally.
Cinematografo Originals
Delivering on its unique vision of ‘elevating talent’ to the international stage, the new banner was created to discover, develop, nurture, co-finance, co-produce and showcase original films in all genres. What started as a platform to discover Filipino-American filmmaking talent has now evolved into supporting all emerging filmmakers regardless of race, belief or ethnic background.
ABS-CBN International
ABS-CBN International was founded in the U.S. in April 1994. Based in Daly City, California (San Francisco Bay Area), its flagship product, The Filipino Channel (TFC), made it the first and most successful Filipino content distribution company in the U.S. The company offers original Filipino content on cable, satellite, online audio and video streaming, IPTV, On Demand, live events, theatricals, retail, money remittance and cargo services, along with philanthropic support for Filipinos and the communities they now call home.
Filipino Arts & Cinema International (FACINE) honors TFC for sharing the vision for Filipino Cinema
SAN FRANCISCO, October 23, 2018 – The Filipino Arts & Cinema International (FACINE), through its tirelessdirector, Mauro Feria Tumbocon, Jr, honored TFC on Sunday for their continued support to the ideals and values of FACINE. TFC supports and shares FACINE’s mission of empowering emerging artists to create films that speak about Filipino communities globally and promoting cinema as a social document of Filipino culture and heritage, and as medium of artistic expression.
Cinematografo Festival & Exhibitions Director Miguel Sevilla received the certificate on behalf of TFC. Other honorees are the Philippine American Writers and Artists, Inc. (PAWA) and inquirer.net.
Following on the heels of FACINE 25, FACINE’s annual Filipino-American cine festival in San Francisco,Cinematografo will also be holding its second Cinematografo International Film Festival from November 8-11, 2018 at the AMC Kabuki 8 in Japantown in San Francisco.
The festival’s theme this year is “Breaking Down Walls,” which refers to breaking through barriers in film and story whether in terms of subject matter, representation and cultural limitations.
Cinematografo’s opening film on November 8th is Signal Rock from the Philippines, from renowned Filipino auteur Chito Roño. This official Filipino submission for Best Foreign Language Film at the upcoming Academy Awards® tells the story of Intoy (Christian Bables) who is left to care for his parents when his sister moved out to work overseas. The only way he could contact his sister and the outside world is by taking his cellular phone and going up the strange rock formation known as “signal rock”.
The closing film is A Land Imagined from Singapore’s Siew Hua Yeo, winner of the top prize in this year’sLocarno International Film Festival. This gripping thriller shows the dark side of the city-state of seedy underground of the working class.
For more information, and to get tickets to the second Cinematografo International Film Festival, go towww.cinematografofilmfestival.com.
“The Hows of Us” – From Hopeful Dreams to Unbearable Misery, Is Love Worth Fighting for?
DALY CITY, Calif., September 5, 2018 --- How does a relationship that started cozy and happy, and has progressed to shared fantasies of making it big in their respective careers, reach unbearable feelings of frustration and regret?
How do the fire and hopeful dreams of youth shift into the indifference and unbearable misery of adulthood?
TFC at the Movies’ latest release, “The Hows of Us,” follows the story of Primo (Daniel Padilla)and George (Kathryn Bernardo), a couple who are in a long-term relationship, building and planning their future together.
However, their love will be put to the test as their relationship faces hurdles - from misunderstandings to different career paths, among others.
In her story “Why More Millennials Aren’t in Relationships” published in more.com., Jennifer Lafferty asks if it is “true that millennials and long-term relationships just don't mix?” One of the more popular explanations in her research is because “Other goals take precedence: Young adults today are very goal oriented and many of them want to make sure they accomplish some important personal and professional goals on their list before they're saddled with the responsibilities and sacrifices that come with a committed relationship.”
That is the reality conveyed in “The Hows of Us,” a moving portrayal of a couple navigating the how’s and whys of their relationship, trying to figure out if staying together is worth the fights and the struggles.
“The Hows of Us,” directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina from a script by Carmi G. Raymundo, screens in 76 theaters across the US and Canada starting September 7.
Go to www.mytfc.com/thehowsofus, TFC US , or TFC Canada for the list of theaters near your area.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/165aba31d36c70a3?projector=1
NBC Bay Area interviews TFC Filmmakers about “Lost & Found: A BA Original Documentary”
SAN JOSE, Calif., August 15, 2018 – The stories of children from the Philippines, who have found new families in the United States, will be discussed on NBC Bay Area’s Asian Pacific America with Robert Handa. The 30-minute program covers Asian newsmakers, events, community accolades, and youth perspectives.
Handa interviewed “Lost & Found” filmmakers Steve Angeles and Jeremiah Ysip on set and asked them how they came across the story; discoveries about the children’s Filipino identity; and the powerful message of the documentary in these times of racial divide and anti-immigrant sentiments.
Catch the insightful discussion on Asian Pacific America with Robert Handa this Sunday, August 19 on NBC Bay Area channel 11, cable 3 and 703 at 5:30 AM and on COZI TV channel 186 at 6:00 PM.
The next showing of “Lost & Found,” – a BA Original Documentary that features the journeys of children who were abandoned in their countries of birth, but who have found homes, hope and warmth in a snow-covered community in Bozeman, Montana, is on TFC on Labor Day, Monday, September 3rd at 6:45 P.M.It is also available online on TFC.tv.
Drugs, Crime, and the Neon Lights of Manila in the Eye-Opening, Mind-Blowing “BuyBust”
DALY CITY, Calif., August 9, 2018 --- Following its world premiere at the New York Asian Film Festival,the action-crime movie “BuyBust,” starring Anne Curtis and MMA fighter Brandon Vera, opens August 10 in theaters across the U.S. and Canada.
“BuyBust” is directed by Erik Matti, of the highly-acclaimed “On the Job,” from a script also written byMatti and Anton Santamaria.
After surviving the slaughter of her entire squad in a drug raid compromised by dirty cops, anti-narcotics special operative Nina Manigan (Anne Curtis), is eager to go head-to-head with the drug cartels that hold a bloody grip on Manila. But when her new mission in the city’s most dangerous slum goes south; the angry civilians turn on her squad.
Trapped between a brutal drug gang and hordes of bloodthirsty citizens, their only option is to fight their way out, turning one claustrophobic street at a time into a symphony of apocalyptic violence.
Variety applauded “BuyBust” lead actor saying, “In a radical departure from her usual rom-com roles, dual Australian-Filipino national Curtis is convincing and charismatic as the determined and amazingly resourceful heroine.”
On her Instagram® page, Curtis shared that she “poured her heart, body and soul into this film.” She invites everyone to enter the world of Gracia ni Maria, a fictional slum area in Manila, where the story unfolds. The decay and destitution of this urban ghetto in Metro Manila also becomes central to the story.
“BuyBust” also stars Victor Neri, Arjo Atayde, Levi Ignacio, Alex Calleja, Lao Rodriguez, Joross Gamboa, Ricky Pascua, and Nonie Buencamino. The movie is brought to you by TFC at the Movies, Viva Films and Well Go USA, a theatrical and home entertainment distribution label that specializes in bringing top content, including the best in Action, Genre and Independent films from the US and around the world, to North America, Latin America, Asia, and Europe.
“BuyBust” screens in the U.S and Canada starting August 10. Go to buybust-movie.com or visit TFC US or TFC Canada on Facebook for a list of theaters in your area.
TFC at the Movies brings the Right Combination of Hysteria and Heart with “My 2 Mommies”
DALY CITY, Calif., June 21, 2018 --- An accidental affair leads to an extraordinary story of a unique family set up where the two parents play mother to the same child.
This weekend, TFC at the Movies brings Paolo Ballesteros, Solenn Heussaff, and Ms. Maricel Soriano in a laugh-out-loud-cry-a-little movie directed by Eric Quizon from a screen play by Jose Javier Reyes –My 2 Mommies.
Manu (Ballesteros) and Monique (Heussaff) had a one-night stand in a moment of sheer abandon in their younger days. Unknown to Manu, that encounter bore fruit in the person of a son who he never knew existed. Monique disappeared from his life to live abroad and bear his child while pursuing her own interests and career.
Seven years later, Manu tries to accept their son, Tristan (Marcus Cabais) into his life, but he tries too much to fit the mold of a “father,” when everything about him screams “mommy.”
My 2 Mommies is a brilliant combination of riot and emotion, that brings to fore timeless family values, veiled in bursts of laughter.
My 2 Mommies is screening on June 22 in theaters across the U.S. and in Canada. Go tomytfc.com/my2mommies for a list of theaters in your area.
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ABS-CBN's "Kasal" (The Wedding)" Lands in Box Office Top 20
in the U.S. and Canada During Memorial Day Weekend
DALY CITY, CA, June 5, 2018 – ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc. (Star Cinema) – the leading Filipino film production and distribution outfit – and global film distributor TFC at the Movies have a mainstream winner in their hands with “Kasal” (The Wedding) which stars Bea Alonzo, Paulo Avelino and Derek Ramsay.
The New York Times reported on the top 20 movies at the box office in the U.S. and Canada during Memorial Day weekend in the U.S. (May 25-28). “Kasal” ranked 19th and has already earned $329,153 from 57 locations in its first week of showing at U.S. and Canadian theaters. Its average receipt per location is at $5,775 in 57 theaters.
The top 20 movies at U.S. and Canadian theaters from Friday (May 25) through Monday (May 28) -- that included the films’ distribution studios, gross for the weekend, number of theater locations, average receipts per location, total gross and number of weeks in release -- were compiled by comScore, the recognized global leader in cross-platform measurement of audiences, advertising and consumer behavior.
May the best man win? Philip (left, played by Paulo Avelino) confronts Wado (Derek Ramsay) in a scene from “Kasal” (The Wedding).
“Kasal” tells the story of a public school teacher, Lia (Alonzo), who enters the world of politics after being engaged with Philip (Avelino), a mayoral candidate in the highly urbanized City of Cebu in the Philippines. Their relationship is shaken, however, when Lia’s ex-boyfriend, Wado (Ramsay), does everything he can to win her back, even if it means exposing Philip’s real identity.
As described by director Ruel S. Bayani (“No Other Woman” in 2011, “One More Try” in 2012) to ABS-CBN News: "One wants to stop the wedding, one wants to proceed with the wedding and there's a woman between them who is trying to decide who to choose which wedding to go to. So the movie is about difficult choices.”
The writing team behind “Kasal” is Kriz G. Gazmen for the story and Patrick John Valencia for screenplay.
“Kasal” is now on its third blockbuster week and is still showing in 170 cinemas worldwide. For more information about the film which is subtitled in English, visit “Kasal” (The Wedding). (ABS-CBN Corporate Communication/ABS-CBN Global Corporate Affairs & PR)
Fun and bedlam reigns in the kingdom of the “Kusina Kings”
DALY CITY, Calif., Aug 2, 2018 --- TFC at the Movies kicks off the month of August with a buffet of comedic proportions in “Kusina Kings” (Kitchen Kings)which starts screening August 3 in theaters across the U.S. and Canada.
"Kusina Kings" tells the story of forever best friends Ronnie (Zanjoe Marudo)and Benjie (Empoy Marquez), who have been buddies through good times and bad. Benjie is the chef-entrepreneur, while Ronnie is a klutz in the kitchen. As their restaurant struggles to take-off, Benjie takes on the Kusina Kings Challenge where they will be competing with rival contender Gian Nyeam (Ryan Bang).
A pinch of culinary blunders, a dash of bizarre occurrences, a sprinkle of naughty humor, and a generous serving of comedic genius make a recipe for a sidesplitting, gratifying movie. This comedic masterpiece is helmed by Victor Villanueva who directed the critically-acclaimed indie film ‘Patay na si Hesus’(Jesus is Dead).
Villanueva admits that while his black comedy “Patay na si Hesus” went for a deadpan style of humor, his first mainstream movie, “Kusina Kings,” wears its comedy on its sleeve. He also reveals he drew inspiration from anime shows likeCooking Master Boy and Food Wars: Shokugeki no Soma.
“Kusina Kings” is Marudo’s comeback to comedy after his remarkable portrayals in movies like 'Bromance' and 'Kimmy Dora' (2013) and 'My Illegal Wife' (2014). Marquez, meanwhile, continues to spread his box-office charm coming from his blockbuster hits last year, the suspense thriller “Bloody Crayons”and hit indie movie “Kita Kita.” Marudo said that he and Marquez have talked about doing a project together and he is glad that it is finally happening.
“Kusina Kings” also stars Tiny Corpuz, Jun Sabayton, Joma Labayen, Hyubs Azarcon, Nonong Ballinan, Nathalie Hart, and Miss Universe Philippines 2016 Maxine Medina.
“Kusina Kings” will be screening in the U.S and Canada starting August 3.Go to mytfc.com/kusinakings or visit TFC US or TFC Canada on Facebook for a list of theaters in your area.
A Filipino American family reunites for the Christmas holidays in San Francisco.
How can this…
Turn into this…
Making its World Premiere as a Narrative Centerpiece presentation
At the CAAMFest 36 in San Francisco
Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
A Cinematografo Original
An H.P. Mendoza Film
"H.P. MENDOZA’S FILM SHINES TRAGICOMIC LIGHT ON VIOLENCE IN AN IMMIGRANT FAMILY"
Buy your tickets to the premiere this Saturday, May 12, 6:50pm at AMC Kabuki 8.
For more info, click here.
(Click on the photo to watch the trailer)
"Patay Na Si Hesus" (Jesus Is Already Dead) RIP. OTW. LOL.
in U.S. Theaters Starting April 6, Friday
DALY CITY, CA, April 5 2018 – “Patay Na Si Hesus” (Jesus is Already Dead)may not exactly appear like it’s the most apropos movie for the current Easter season.
Because it’s not. And it’s not about that Jesus either.
So, y’all can chill when it comes to U.S. theaters starting tomorrow, April 6, in 11 cities in California, Nevada, Illinois and New
A darling of film festivals, “Patay Na Si Hesus” won the Audience Choice and Gender Sensitivity Awards when it debuted late 2016 at the QCinema International Film Festival and the Jury’s Choice Award at the 2017 Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (Festival of Filipino Films) of the Film Development Council of the Philippines. It won the Star Awards Indie Movie Screenwriters of the Year for Raymond Lee and Fatrick Tabada and FAP Awards for Best Supporting Actress for Chai Fonacier. It has played at the 1st Cinematografo International Film Festival in San Francisco, Seattle Twist Festival, Toronto Reel Asian Festival and Cambodia International Film Festival.
One thing in common about theaters that screened this movie, which by the way, is in a Filipino dialect called Cebuano (not Tagalog)? They were packed. And theatergoers almost died… laughing.
No worries for those who will watch starting tomorrow: this original crazy rib-tickler will have English subtitles.
The film stars Jaclyn Jose, the first Filipina to win Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival for the dark and gritty, “Ma’ Rosa” in 2016. She plays Maria Fatima or Iyay for short. Joining her are Chai Fonacier as Jude,Melde Montanez as Jay, Vincent Viado as Hubert, among others.
Oh, yes, there is this cuddly canine named Judas. But don’t ask who played Jesus.
“We’re all going, whether you like it or not!!!” “Patay Na Si Hesus” is a family road trip to remember.
So, what’s going on in this film? Iyay got her three adult kids together on a long drive from Cebu to Dumaguete (think about 5 hours of driving). The reason? To attend the funeral of Iyay’s long-estranged husband and father of her kids named Hesus. The eldest child, Hubert, has Down’s syndrome. The middle child, Judith Marie is a lesbian/trans man namedJude. The youngest child, Jay, is a jobless bum. With Judas the dog and their crazy aunt, Lucy, they all squeezed into their trusty minivan for one life-changing road trip guaranteed to make the viewers cackle, giggle and guffaw from all the hilarious banter and absurdity that go on. But viewers might need a tissue or two for tears because this is one family story that will also touch hearts.
ReelAdvice.net wrote:
“Quirky, offensive and hilarious are words that easily describe "Patay na si Hesus". The film mixes comedy and drama perfectly into a volatile, unique and in-your-face experience. This is one road movie you wouldn't want to pass up.”
Kudos to director Victor Villanueva, the cast and crew.
For theater information on “Patay Na Si Jesus”, visit http://mytfc.com/my-tfc/movies/theaters
Be Sure to Catch the Laugh-Out-Loud Romance Horror Feature “D.O.T.G.A. - Da One That Ghost Away” starting April 27
This squad of “ghost busters” attempt to rid houses of paranormal spirits, but struggle amid laughs and scares when they deal with a haunted mansion that makes them run and scream for their lives in “D.O.T.G.A. – Da One That Ghost Away.”
DALY CITY, Calif., April 25, 2018 – Sinister spirits, creepy capers, and side-splitting shenanigans keep viewers on the edge of their seats with the latest offering from TFC at the Movies and Star Cinema: “D.O.T.G.A. (Da One That Ghost Away).”
Da One That Ghost Away is a 2018 Filipino comedy-romance-horror film directed by Tony Y. Reyes starring the up and rising favorite teen love team Maymay Entrata and Edward Barber, comedians Moi Bien, Lassy Marquez, and Pepe Herrera, and the newest love team to hit the big screen: Kim Chiu and Ryan Bang.
D.O.T.G.A. comes hot on the trail of the horror blockbuster “The Ghost Bride,” where Chiu showed her adeptness at handling fright flicks. Chiu returns this time with a gang of comedy actors skilled at funny antics and hair-raising stunts.
After many failed attempts of living up to her legendary grandma’s legacy, fake paranormal expert, Carmel Monseratt (Chiu) finds it hard to relive the glory days of their family business, P.E.K.T.U.S. (Paranormal Extraction and Kulam, Try Us) and is having a hard time saving their family house from foreclosure.
Together with her friends Bagang (Herrera), Ponzi (Marquez), Basha (Bien) and her best friend, Jeje (Bang) who’s secretly in love with her, they all try to make P.E.K.T.U.S. work again. One day, their efforts finally pay off when rich architect, Jack Colmenares (Enzo Pineda), hires them to exorcize his haunted mansion in exchange for a huge sum of money. Without second thoughts, Carmel brings her friends in, only to find out that the gang will be trapped inside the mansion, with extremely pesky and spiteful ghosts, screaming & running for their lives, and with Carmel ultimately facing the horror of the truth long hidden from her.
This wild and wacky horror-comedy-romance “D.O.T.G.A. – Da One That Ghost Away” is showing in theaters across the U.S. and Canada starting Friday, April 27. Click here for more information and to find a theater near you, or visit TFC US or TFC Canada on Facebook or mytfc.com/theaters. Connect with fellow global Kapamilyas and follow @KapamilyaTFC and @KapamilyaGlobalPR on Twitter and Instagram.
First come, first served.
(Seating capacity: 500 seats)
Skyline Theater: http://www.skylinecollege.edu/theater/
For more about the movie, visit http://rightfootedmovie.com/
For more on Kababayan Learning Community in Skyline College, visit https://www.skylinecollege.edu/kababayan/
For more on the Daly City Public Library Associates, visit https://www.dcpla.org/
For more on ABS-CBN The Filipino Channel (TFC), visit https://usa.mytfc.com/
Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach Conquers Rom-Com Moviedom
in “My Perfect You”
DALY CITY, Calif. (March 22, 2018) – Pia Wurtzbach, one of the most beautiful faces in the world crowned Miss Universe 2015, teams up with versatile lead actor, Filipino-American Gerald Anderson, in a romantic comedy with a twist - “My Perfect You.”
The Star Cinema film is directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina, dubbed as the “blockbuster director” because of her track record for directing top-grossing films in the Philippines.
“My Perfect You” is the story of Burn (Anderson), a man who experiences a series of failures and disappointments in life and decides to get away from it all. As he escapes, he meets the perky and spirited Abi (Wurtzbach), a resort-owner trying to revive her business. Abi’s perennial optimism initially annoys the down-and-out Burn, until he realizes that he enjoys the time spent with her.
Audiences will see how the seeming lightness of the rom-com genre is effectively used as a channel to convey a deeper message of how one can handle life’s challenges, no matter how mentally or emotionally crippling they can be.
Burn’s blue funk contradicts with Abi’s rose-colored glasses, yet, there is superb chemistry between the two lead actors. The backdrop of the lush and breathtaking views of Masinloc, Zambales adds to the charm of “My Perfect You.” The small town with first-class natural wonders is known for its rivers, mangroves, and waterfalls, among others. See if the perfect setting would make for a perfect ending for Burn and Abi.
Go on a perfect getaway with Gerald Anderson and Pia Wurtzbach in an imperfectly beautiful love story.
“My Perfect You” is showing in theaters across the U.S. and Canada starting March 23.Click here for more information and to find a theater near you, or visit TFC US or TFC Canada on Facebook or mytfc.com/mpy. Connect with fellow global Kapamilyas and follow @KapamilyaTFC and @KapamilyaGlobalPR on Twitter and Instagram.
An Ingenious Script and Impeccable Acting Make “Changing Partners”
a Must-Watch Film
DALY CITY, Calif. (March 2, 2018) – The most-awarded film at the 2017 Cinema One Originals Awards is now showing in theaters across the U.S. and Canada. “Changing Partners” is based on the Palanca Award-winning musical play by Vincent De Jesus. The stage-to-screen opus, starring Agot Isidro, Jojit Lorenzo, Sandino Martin, and Anna Luna, won several of the major awards, including Best Director for Dan Villegas, Best Actress for Isidro, Best Actor for Lorenzo, and Best Ensemble Acting for Isidro, Lorenzo and co-actors Martin and Luna, among other awards.
At the recent Philippine Movie Press Club Star Awards for Movies, “Changing Partners”received the Indie Movie of the Year Award, Indie Movie Director of the Year (Villegas),Indie Movie Musical Scorer for the Year (Vincent de Jesus), Indie Movie Editor of the Year (Marya Ignacio), and Indie Movie Screenwriter of the Year (Lilit Reyes and De Jesus).
“Changing Partners” begins with Alex and Cris as a live-in couple. They are clearly in love with each other and choose to ignore what people say about their relationship, despite their 15-year age gap.
However, six years into the relationship, their differences become more evident and we see the relationship painfully falling apart because of issues that have festered through the years.
The love story, shown through the perspective of different genders, paints a true picture of how real-life relationships are. Parallel lives and loves prove through music and dialogue that love knows no gender when it pains or soothes, when it hurts or heals.
Hollywood film critic and BA’s resident movie reviewer Manny the Movie Guy gave “Changing Partners” four kisses. He applauds how the film can depict the stories of four couples in a fair manner. Manny shares how “You’ll see four couples with the same story and the gender reversals explode into a searing examination of relationships. Each of the four variations is treated with equal attention by scriptwriters De Jesus and Lilit Reyes. The gay couple morphs into the straight couple, then to the lesbian partners. Back and forth the film goes, yet the narrative does not lose momentum, and the transition is seamless.”
Manny further adds that he loves “the film’s willingness to defy cinematic expectations. The technical qualities are topnotch, with a story that’s not necessarily new, but made fresh by its own innovation. The final act will hit you like a shot through the heart.”
“Changing Partners” is currently screening in theaters across the U.S. and Canada. Go towww.tfc-usa.com/changingpartners/ or to www.tfc-ca.com/changingpartners/ for more information and to find a theater near you, or visit TFC US or TFC Canada on Facebook. Connect with fellow global Kapamilyas and follow @KapamilyaTFC and @KapamilyaGlobalPR on Twitter and Instagram.
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Media Contact:
Pia Lopezbanos-Carrion
ABS-CBN International – TFC
2001 Juniperro Serra Blvd, Ste. 200
Daly City, CA 94014
“Sin Island” is a bold and daring love story from Star Cinema
now screening in the U.S. and Canada.
Daly City Native Xian Lim Tackles a More Mature Role in “Sin Island”
DALY CITY, Calif., Feb 23, 2018 --- TFC at the Movies brings a different kind of love story with the latest offering from Star Cinema, “Sin Island,” top billed by Colleen Garcia, Xian Lim, and Nathalie Hart. Daly City son and crowd favorite Lim plays the role of David, husband to Garcia’s Kanika. They are a flawless couple with the ideal marriage, until David’s career goes on a downward spiral, followed by Kanika’s illicit affair.
As their picture-perfect world is shattered, David escapes to Sinilaban Island, where he then meets, and gets involved in a forbidden affair with, Tasha (Hart). Despite their impropriety and transgressions, David and Kanika try to fix their lives, but Tasha refuses to let go.
David (Xian Lim - center) and Kanika (Coleen Garcia – right) have the perfect marriage that everyone covets, until an unfortunate turn of events that turns their fairytale romance into a nightmare. Tasha (Nathalie Hart – right) lures David into her seductive clutches, refusing to let go. See how they fight for their love in “Sin Island.”
Although the movie has a mature and passionate theme, the values of love and redemption resonate in the movie. Writer Jancy Nicolas explains that the movie “talks about redeeming love, redeeming a marriage, and fighting for it. More than the sexiness and darkness of its genre, it’s a story of a marriage.”
Both Lim and Garcia have taken the brave leap to more mature roles in this daring and brave movie. Lim shares, “I’m pushing my capabilities as an actor and being able to tackle different roles. People will see me do scenes which are different from what they are used to see me doing in a film.” Garcia also reveals“This is the bravest and hardest film that I’ve done.”
Gino Santos, who is known for his edgy brand of filmmaking, directs “Sin Island”. The movie also stars TJ Trinidad, Lito Pimentel, Ricardo Cepeda, Marina Benipayo, Bernard Palanca, Joyce Burton, Dominic Ochoa, Thou Reyes, Charlie Dizon, McCoy de Leon, Desiree del Valle, and Nikki Valdez.
“Sin Island” is now screening in theaters across the U.S. and Canada. Go to www.tfc-usa.com/sinisland/or to www.tfc-ca.com/sinisland/ for a list of theaters in your area.
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“Ang Dalawang Mrs. Reyes” now on its Second Week in the U.S. and Canada
Moviegoers can still head to the theaters to go on a hysterical movie date with Judy Ann Santos and Angelica Panganiban, the leads of “Ang Dalawang Mrs. Reyes,” now on its second week in theaters across the U.S. and Canada.
Santos (Lianne) and Panganiban (Cindy) star as two women who pursue their erring husbands when they find out that their partners are gay, and have fallen for each other. Liane and Cindy become allies, despite their striking differences: one is an accomplished career woman, while the other one is a (plain) homemaker. Their friendship is anchored on the need to find out if they can still get their husbands back.
“Ang Dalawang Mrs. Reyes” is guaranteed to give moviegoers a generous dose of laughter, tears, and intoxicating fun amid life’s most painful experiences. It is currently screening in theaters across the U.S. and Canada.
Go to www.tfc-usa.com/2mrsreyes/ or to www.tfc-ca.com/2mrsreyes/ for more information and to find a theater near you, or visit TFC US or TFC Canada on Facebook. Connect with fellow global Kapamilyas and follow @KapamilyaTFC and @KapamilyaGlobalPR on Twitter and Instagram.
Media Contact:
Pia Lopezbanos-Carrion
ABS-CBN International – TFC
2001 Juniperro Serra Blvd, Ste. 200
Daly City, CA 94014
