British Sean Ellis, writer-director of “Metro Manila”. AP File Photo
MANILA, Philippines – A cinema run beginning Wednesday of British film “Metro Manila” will kick off the five-month “This is GREAT Britain” campaign in the Philippines, the British Embassy said.
“We’re delighted to host this special screening of ‘Metro Manila’ as the first event of our GREAT campaign in the Philippines,” Trevor Lewis, Chargé d Affaires at the British Embassy said in a statement issued Monday.
“[Metro Manila is] a wonderful example of merging UK expertise with Filipino talent, something we’re aiming to do in all areas of our work in the Philippines,” he said.
The film, which will be shown in local cinemas starting October 9, was directed by Oscar-nominated British filmmaker Sean Ellis and stars Filipino actors Jake Macapagal, John Arcilla and Althea Vega.
“Metro Manila” was nominated by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts as their entry for best foreign language film for the 2014 Oscars.
Its story depicts the struggles of a poor family from the province as they move into the city and try to make a living.
“This shows that the final product of this collaboration [between UK and the Philippines] is a world class effort,” Lewis said.
Ellis, who was previously nominated for an Oscar for best short live action for his film “Cashback” in 2006 and for a BAFTA best short for “The Business Trip” in 2009.
“Metro Manila” won Audience Award for World Cinema in this year’s Sundance Film Festival.
Ellis praised the talent of Filipino actors, saying: “Everyone was super-prepared and it’s evident in the performances. I’m most proud of the performances. There wasn’t a day on the set that wasn’t fulfilling.”
The Philippines entry to the Oscars is Hannah Espia’s “Transit,” a story about a migrant family’s struggles in Israel.