Movies: “A” for Apocalypse Child Cinema Evaluation Board hails Surfing Film as a Potential Hit

We saw "Apocalypse Child" last June and I'm glad that it's getting a theatrical release next week! Read up on my review here. 

Arkeo Films’ newest production Apocalypse Child continues to receive acclaim as it is the latest Filipino film to receive a grade of A from the Cinema Evaluation Board (CEB). The grade entitles the movie, which opens in cinemas on October 26, to get a 100-percent tax rebate.

Apocalypse Child tells the story of Baler-based surfing instructor Ford (played by Sid Lucero) who is supposed to be the son of a famous American director. One summer, this often-told tale comes to fore as the instructor’s childhood friend Rich, now Congressman of Baler (played by RK Bagatsing), has pulled strings for the director to acknowledge Ford. Chona (Ana Abad Santos), the mother of Ford, is ecstatic. This development comes at a time when Rich is engaged to be married to Serena (Gwen Zamora), and Sid has a romantic affair with a young Fil-Am tourist Fiona (Annicka Dolonius).

The Cinema Evaluation Board’s summation noted the excellence of the ensemble cast. The CEB said, “Aside from Lucero, also a standout was Gwen Zamora, leagues away from her ‘Bubble Gang’ persona as she evokes a simmering sexiness… The support was also very good, from RK Bagatsing… to Ana Abad Santos as Frod’s mom… to Annicka Dolonius and Archie Alemania in their respective depictions of wasted but still hopeful youth.”

The Board hailed the film’s production values. It described the editing as “sufficiently contained,” the cinematography as “imaginative,” and  the music by Armi Millare of the band Up Dharma Down as “apt as it captured well the melancholic surf vibe.” The CEB praised the production design by artist Christina Dy for maximizing the scenic locale “to the hilt.”

The members of the CEB also gave kudos to director-writer Mario Cornejo and co-writer-producer Monster Jimenez. The summation made a reference to the duo’s previous work, the 2005 Cinemalaya film “Big Time,” when it stated, “It is films like (Apocalypse Child) that remind us that there is always a fresh way of telling a story, and like the director’s maiden project with Monster Jimenez,Big Time, it is a potential sleeper and helps keep the indie spirit alive.”

Apocalypse Child is distributed by Solar Pictures. The movie is supported by Belo Sun Expert. For updates, like the Apocalypse Child Facebook page and check out website apocalypsechild.com.

Movies: "Heneral Luna" Cast Meets Audience After Cinema '76 FreeScreening

During the Araw ng Kagitingan celebration of Cinema '76, audiences were treated to more than just a special free screening of 'Heneral Luna' when the cast and producer (John Arcilla, Epy Quizon, Mon Confiado, Leo Martinez, Bing Pimentel and E.A. Rocha) spent some quality time with a 'full house' audience, answering questions and sharing some thoughts and insights on the game-changing film.

With the elections just around the corner, the film stirred some patriotic emotions, leading to an emotional question and answer portion. 

There were a lot of questions raised as to the significance and relevance of the film, in a critical time in our history. Sadly, it's 118 years later and we are still asking the same question:

"Bayan o Sarili?" 

There is some assurance knowing that there are films like these that ignite much needed love for our country. I was happy to see a group of students, choose to spend their Saturday morning there with us, reliving the country's past and wishing the best for its future. 

This could be a good turning point for Filipino Cinema and the fact that there is dedicated venue like Cinema '76 whose singular mission is to 'create a new theatrical distribution platform for filmakers while developing its appreciative audience' 

The Cinema aims to screen rare films and classics 'via retrospective programs and tributes to film legends.' No need to depend on commercial and traditional cinemas when looking for local insightful films. Make sure to like and follow Cinema '76 on social media for updated schedules. It was our first time in the Cinema and the fact that it was on Araw Kagitingan just makes it all the more meaningful.