NEW YORK CITY–A series of four Filipino films representing different genres and exploring diverse themes will be screened from Saturday, November 14, through Sunday, November 22 at Asia Society New York
Asia Society describes “New Philippine Cinema” as the coming of age of new Philippine filmmaking, said to be the third golden age of Philippine Cinema. It “follows the prolific waves of the 1950s and the 1970s and early 1980s. At the turn of the millennium, a new iteration of independent cinema emerged along with the advent of digital technology that allowed greater experimentation among a new generation of young filmmakers.”
What distinguishes this new Philippine cinema from many major film movements is the “diverse and eclectic nature of the film landscape and diversity of cinematic voices,” says the society’s announcement.
Opening the series on Saturday, November 14 is Apparition (2012). A Q&A with director Isabel Sandoval, and La Frances Hui, Associate Curator, Department of Film, The Museum of Modern Art will follow.
The series also includes Erik Matti’s On The Job (2013), Loy Arcenas’ REquieme! (2012) and Brillante Mendoza’s Thy Womb (2012). Mendoza was crowned Cannes’ Best Director for Kinatay (2009).
New Philippine Cinema is part of an ongoing season of Philippine programming presented in conjunction with the exhibition Philippine Gold: Treasures of Forgotten Kingdoms, on view at Asia Society Museum through January 3, 2016.
Tickets: $8 members; $10 students/seniors; $12 nonmembers. Visit https://AsiaSociety.org/NYC or call 212-517-ASIA (2742) for more information.
Apparition (2012) 86 min
Directed by Isabel Sandoval.
It is 1971. Sister Lourdes (Jodi Sta. Maria) has just arrived in a remote convent to begin her new life. Mother Superior (Fides Uyugan-Asencio) rules the convent with a tight fist and keeps news of the outside world, including President Ferdinand Marcos’ declaration of martial law, from reaching the nuns. Soon, though, the turmoil of the world beyond trickles in. During a trip to town to get supplies, Sister Lourdes is raped by a band of thugs. Suddenly, peace is no more. Human character is questioned. Faith is tested.
Followed by a Q&A with director Isabel Sandoval, and La Frances Hui, Associate Curator, Department of Film, The Museum of Modern Art. DCP.
Saturday, November 14, 5:00 p.m.
On the Job (2013) 121 min
Directed by Erik Matti.
This propulsive crime drama opens with two hit men, Tatang (Joel Torre) and Daniel (Gerald Anderson), on the job, hunting down a target. Soon it is revealed that they are prisoners occasionally let out of jail to perform assassinations. In this seedy world of metropolitan Manila where corruption and criminal acts are equally as prevalent in prison jungles as they are in the highest political offices, young federal agent Francis (Piolo Pascual) enters to resolve the puzzling crime network. A raw, gritty and tense thriller puts viewers on the edge until the fatal last act. Blu-ray.
Sunday, November 15, 5:00 p.m.
REquieme! (2012) 97 min
Directed by Loy Arcenas.
Swanie (Shamaine Buencamino), a small-town neighborhood politician, tries to gain notice by holding a wake for a distant relative who became a sensation after murdering a famous fashion designer overseas. Meanwhile, her estranged son turned transgender woman, Joanna (Anthony Falcon), gives up the money she has saved up for a breast transplant in order to help bury a neighbor. Messy and hilarious events unfold along the way as politics, bureaucracy, funeral fiestas, secrets and lies collide to put life and death the Pinoy way fully on display. DCP.
Friday, November 20, 6:30 p.m.
Thy Womb (2012) 100 min
Directed by Brillante Mendoza.
Set in a predominantly Muslim island province in the southern tip of the Philippines, Thy Womb tells the story of Shaleha, a midwife who brings life to earth but ironically cannot bear a child herself due to infertility. Although she is in a loving marriage, Shaleha is determined to find her husband another wife, permitted by local law and culture, to fulfill his desire to have offspring. As the couple travels from one island to another in search of a suitable bride, Shaleha quietly submits to her fate with grace and resilience. Grande dame of Philippine cinema Nora Aunor gives a powerful and heart-wrenching performance as Shaleha. DCP.
Sunday, November 22, 5:00 p.m.
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